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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



WOODBRIDaE 



VICINITY. 






JE'yyihracing the History of Woodhridge^ JPis- 

catuwiiy^ Wetuclien and contigwous pliiceS) 

from the earliest tinfvues ; the Mist'Ory <of 

the different Mcclesimstical Bodies ; 

Innportant Offidtnl JDocuirnmiis 

relating to the Township 3 etc 



BY REA^ JOSEPH W. DALLY 



NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J.: 
A. E. GORDON, No. 22 ALBANY STREET. 



1873. 



LHvM'^ 



A^k's 






Enterel according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S73, 

By JOSEPH W. DALLY, 

In the Office of the Librarian at Washington, D. (J. 



PREFACE. 



It has been the ahii of the author of this volume to transfer 
and preserve every fact given in the early records of Wood- 
bridge Township, and to exhibit an authentic pen-picture of 
the ancient hamlet. It was once a much more conspicuous 
and important place than it now is, and deserves, tlierefore, 
all the study we have bestowed upon its interesting histor}-. 

The proceedings of the town meetings are comprised in three 
MS. books, the last of which comes down to our own time in 
its dates and facts. The first is rapidly going to pieces; but, 
fortunately, it was copied by Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, Jr. 
(not the Town Clerk), in 1775, by order of the town meeting; 
and as the copy was conscientiously made, being diligentlv 
compared with the original by a committee chosen when it 
was completed, I have relied upon it in writing my earlier 
pages. This I have been compelled to do because the leaves 
of Liber A are, in many places, torn or worn so badly that it 
is impossible to read their contents. Many leaves are detached 
or very loose, and nearly all are very much faded and soiled. 
So that, like the memory of those whose deeds it tells, the old 
book is passing awa3^ Liber B is full of loose leaves and is 
also soiled — the dark brown leather cover being almost simi- 
lar, in color, to the pages within. The last entry in Liber A 
is dated March 13, 1716, and the first in Liber B bears date 
March 12, 1 7 17. The third book, which begins in 1799, comes 
down to our own time. 

In the Spring of 1859, a reward was offered for the recovery 
of the Freeholders' Book of Records, and the matter was 
reely advertised by the town authorities. The book, a large 



IV PREFACK. 

and valuable MS. volume, dating from May 30, 1707, to a 
recent time, was found ; and to this I have had recourse for 
many facts. 

But it would be a tedious task to indicate, in this place, the 
many sources whence we have derived the material of our his- 
tory. Reference will be made to them by foot notes. For 
valuable aid afforded, I am much indebted to William A. 
Whitehead, the eminent New Jersey historian ; to Abel V. 
Shotwell, of Rahway ; to T. H. Morris, Jeremiah Dally, Dr. 
E. B. Freeman,, and many others, to whom due credit has been 
given. 

The first three chapters of this volume, as will be observed, 
are introductory in character — intended to give a general view 
of the early settlement. The subsequent chapters will be more 
satisfactory to the majority of our readers, because they enter 
more minutely into the history of the town. 

I submit these pages, which represent months of honest and 
earnest toil not unmixed with pleasure, to the candid criticism 
of those who love to study the ways and doings of the people 
of "ye olden time." 

J. W. DALLY. 

W00D3RIDGE, N. J., September, 1873. 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



CHAPTER I. 

1665—1666. 

Ancient New Jersey — Hunting — Origin of Woodbridge — 
Gov. Carteret's Arrival — The Articles of Agree- 
ment — Pisc ATAWAY — Travel — Newark — Elizabeth- 
town — Early Romance. 

When Capt. Hudson sailed up the North River in i6og, 
there was not a single indicaiion, on either side of the bay, ox 
the vast population which to-day pours its mighty tide through 
the city of New York and thence over all the neighboring 
borders of New Jersey. The good ship Half Moon was 
the first which had ever appeared in these waters, and the 
river was very appropriately named Hudson in honor of the 
discoverer. New Jersey was, at that time, without a white 
inhabitant. The Indian tribes were few in number and were 
widely scattered. So that what is now a garden and a favored 
place of residence was then a great wilderness almost deserted. 
But wild beasts were to be found by the venturesome hunter 
in any part of the State.* The shriek of the wild cat, the cry 
of the wolf, and the cautious tread of the bear and the panther 
v/ere familiar sounds in the ears of the early settlers of New 
Jersey. Deer abounded in large numbers and were a favorite 
game. Every means was taken to capture the animal by the 
v/hite people. One method was to set in the woods a large 
iron trap whose huge jaws sprang sharply together when the 
unsuspecting deer approached too near, and the cruel teeth 

* Smith's Hist, of New Jersey, page 662. 



b WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

held him fast until the hunter came. The difficulty attending 
the perfect operation of this engine of destruction lay only in 
the fact that, as it was concealed, it was as merciless with 
human kind as with other animals; in consequence of which a 
law was passed early in the i8th century forbidding its use — 
a law which few regarded. Equally dangerous, and also the 
object of legislative enactment, was the trap made with a 
loaded gun —as liable to kill a man who came near it as to 
slay the deer. 

Besides the animals we have already mentioned, the country 
abounded in otter, red and grey foxes, raccoons, squirrels, 
mink, rabbits, etc., with a few beavers. It will be seen from 
these statements that enough game was at hand to have given 
food to a large tribe, or a large number ot tribes, of Indians, if 
they had chosen to inhabit this section. It is probable that 
fierce wars, of which some tradition was preserved among the 
Indians themselves, were the cause of the comparatively sparse 
population found by the Europeans who settled New Jersey. 
That this was the case was a fortunate circumstance for the 
^^^hite people ; otherwise, prolonged and bloody feuds miglit 
have retarded the prosperity of young settlements in this State 
as they did in New England, where the red men were numer- 
ous and powerful. 

But it is not our purpose to write a history of New Jersey, 
however alluring such a task might be. We have an humbler 
office to perlorm : to tell the simple story of one of its historic 
places. 

WooDKRiDGE, the name of the village and township concern- 
ing which these pages are to be written, was so called in honor 
of Rev. John Woodbridge, of Newbury, Mass. We presume 
that this distinction was conferred upon him by his friends 
and admirers, who came from New England at the solicitation 
of Gov. Carteret. In the old manuscript "Records of Deeds 
and Surveys in Woodbridge "* we find his name attached to 
the acknowledgment of a deed given by Richard Dole to 
John Rolf, the date of which is April 27, 1685. The deed 
was given for some Woodbridge land. The buyer and seller 

♦ In N. J. Historical Soc. Lil)rary. p. 65. 



ORIGIN ANr> SETTLEMENT. 7 

were both Massachusetts men — Rolf, however, removing to 
this place after his purchase.* From the manner in which Mr. 
Woodbridge's name is attached to this paper, we should infer 
that he was an Assistant Justice, such as were annually elected 
to the Township Court of Woodbridge in the days of its early 
liistory. This inference is supported by Coffin's extracts from 
the old records of Newbury, in which we find that the select- 
men of the town were directed to petition the General Court 
to make Mr. Woodbridge a magistrate. f As he is subse- 
quentlv spoken of as " John Woodbridge, Esquire,"J it is 
beyond doubt that the Court clothed him with magisterial • 
powers. He was born in Stanton, Wiltshire, England, in 
1613. and emigrated to New England in 1634, settling in New- 
bury the following year. He married Mercy Dudley, dauo-h- 
ter of Gov. Thomas Dudley.^ He returned to England about 
tlie year 1647; but in ];663 came back to Newbury,|| and on 
the 26th of July was engaged to assist his uncle, Mr. Parker, 
in preaching the Gospel in tlie quaint town mesting-house, 
receiving, for the first six months, ^30.. His deatli occurred 
Marcli 17, 1695 — the venerable minister having attained the 
age of eighty-two. 

The following (which is copied from the East Jerscv 
Records, Vol. i. p. 2, in the Secretary of State's office, Tren- 
ton, N. J.) will give us some idea of the original ownership 
of the soil upon which Woodbridge has been built; 

" A contract made by Capt. Philip Carteret, Governor ot 
the Province of New Jersey, John Ogden and Luke Watson, of 
Eiizabethtown, of the first part, and Daniel Pierce, of New- 
bury, Massachusetts, and his associates, of the second part. 
This article of agreenlent dated December 11, 1666. Daniel 
Pierce paid to the party of the first part the sum of four score 
pounds sterling, being in full for said tract of land known by 
the name of Arthur Cull, or Amboyle, or any other name it 
may be called by. This land was purchased from the natives 
or Indians by John Bayly, Daniel Denton, and the said Luke 
Watson, as by said bill of sale from the natives, bearing date 
the 28th day of October, 1664, will more at large appear; 



* Town Book, p. 221. t Hist, of Newbury, p. 135. f Ibid., p. 149. § .322. 



res. 



8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

which John Bayly and Daniel Denton have made over to the 
said Philip Carteret and John Ogden, as will appear by the 
bill of sale. Daniel Pierce made choice of, as his associates, 
Joshua Pierce, John Pike, John Bishop, Henry Jaques, and 
Hugh March, of Newbury; Stephen Kent, of Haverhill; Rob- 
ert Dennis, of Yarmouth; John Smith, of Barnstable, and in 
New England. These writings were signed, sealed and deliv- 
ered by Daniel Pierce in Elizabethtown, and it was ordered 
to be recorded by Philip Carteret, Governor of the Province 
of New Jersey, December 3, 1667." 

From this we find that the land was first purchased ot the 
Indians by John Bayly, Daniel Denton, and Luke Watson in 
1664, and that it was afterward " made over " to Gov. Carteret 
and John Ogden ; and then in 1666 the two latter sold it to 
Daniel Pierce and others for ^80. Daniel Pierce and his 
associates took immediate possession: and what they further 
did will be fully detailed in the chapters devoted to the history 
of the "Town Meetings." 

The first settlers came to Woodbridge in the latter part of 
the Summer of 1665, and were a portion of the company of 
thirty English people who came to New Jersey with Gov. 
Carteret immediately after his commission was given to him 
by his brother,* Sir George Carteret, joint proprietor of tlie 
Province with Lord Berkeley. The Governor instantly sum- 
moned a council at Elizabethtown, which he so called for 
Elizabeth, wife of Sir George, and established his residence 
there. With considerable enterprise he published throughout 
New England the advantageous terms offered to land-holders 
in his Province, and succeeded in drawing hither a number 
of families from that section, some settling at Elizabethtown, 
some at Woodbridge, Piscataway, and Newark. The Gov 
ernor's ship, the Philips returned to England at the close of six 
months, and the following year came back to Elizabethtown 
with other emigrants and with implements and seed for tilling 
and planting. Other vessels in the meantime arrived at the 
Jersey port bringing substantial encouragement from the pro- 
prietors ; and the people who came were scattered througli 

♦Philip is known as Sir George's brother, but he was really his foiirth cousin.— Ilatf. Eliz. HO. 



ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. 9 

the few towns in East Jersey — Woodbridge, doubtless, receiv- 
ing its proportion because of its neighborhood to Elizabeth- 
town, the Capital. 

On the 2 1 St of May, 1666, articles of agreement were signed 
between Gov. Carteret, in behalf of the Lords-proprietors, on 
the one hand, and John Pike, Daniel Pierce, and Abraham 
Tappen in behalf of themselves and their associates of Wood- 
bridge and Piscataway, on the other. In these articles the 
Woodbridge and Piscataway people were to have liberty " to 
settle one or two plantations or townships, consisting each of 
forty or one hundred families, more or less " [rather precise !], 
" between a creek or river called Rawawak " [or Rahway | 
"and Rariton's River, and to begin to settle the same between 
this and the month of November." They were to have liberty 
to assign to each man the proportion of land due him, 
"according to their judgment and discretion." Two lots 
were to be laid out in each town for the benefit of the Lords- 
proprietors — each lot to contain five hundred acres of upland 
and meadow. The towns were to comprise six or eight miles 
square. The proprietors' lots were not to be inhabited by any 
to whom the residents made objection. Charters were asked 
for both of these towns, in which the residents were to have 
tlie privileges of choosing their own magistrates, their own 
ministers, and of nominating their military officers — the mag- 
istrates and officers subject to the Governor's approval. The 
agreement further empowered them to hold courts for the 
trial of all causes actionable within their own jurisdiction, 
from the decisions of which no appeal could be made which 
involved a sum less than five pounds. Liberty of conscience 
in religious worship was to be allowed, and two hundred acres 
of land were to be set apart for the maintenance of the minis- 
try perpetually. Provision was made for a church and 
church-yard, to be exempt forever from tax of any kind. The 
Governor, Council, and General Assembly were the joint 
authority for levying tax, but they were authorized to do it only 
for the public good; and all the freeholders of the Province 
were to be permitted free trade with the citizens. The yearly 
rent of half-penny per acre to the Lords-proprietors was to 
begin March 25, 1670 — tlius giving the inhabitants nearly four 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY 



years of exemption. All land patents were to be recorded 
within a year of the time when they were surveyed by the 
Surveyor-General. In case of war the Woodbridge and Pis- 
cataway men agreed to combine with other towns in the 
Province against the common foe. All freeholders were to 
have a " free voice " in the election of Deputies to the General 
Assembly. They swore allegiance to the King and pledged 
their fidelity to the Proprietors. They claimed the privilege 
of removing when and where they pleased, and of selling their 
land to the best advantage. They were to have the necessary 
authority to impose fines upon criminals, and inflict corporal 
punishment by " stocking, ducking, pilloring, and whipping" 
— the latter, provided the criminal did not merit more than 
twenty stripes. Ducking must have been instituted for the 
benefit of hot-headed culprits who needed cooling off in the 
adjacent mill-ponds. Seven years' possession of the land 
was to secure the same to the settler, his heirs or assigns for- 
ever. The democratic doctrine of a ruling majority is set 
forth in the concluding item of this document. The agree- 
ment is signed by the parties interested and witnessed by John 
Ogden and Thomas Louel. Three months were allowed for 
the consideration of the matter, during which the Governor 
promised to make no disposition of the lands which were 
indicated by the settlers of the proposed towns. 

On the nth day of May, 1668, eight new signatures were 
added to the instrument — all of them the names of Wood- 
bridge and Piscataway men, viz.: John Martin, Hopewell. 
Hull, Robert Dennis, John Gilman, Benjamin Hull, John 
Smith, Charles Gilman, and Hugh Donn. From this circum- 
stance it will be seen that the original makers of the agree- 
ment on behalf of the settlers failed to meet its requirements 
within the time specified; which was no fault of theirs, of 
whicli we may rest assured, because no more liberal terms 
were ever offered to any people. It is probable that every 
effort was put forth to accomplish the object in view ; but it 
was no easy matter to bring into one community forty or 
more families in those early days — especially to bring them 
into a wilderness such as Woodbridge was at that time. 

At the request of Daniel Pierce, the Governor extended the 



ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. II 

time mentioned in the agreement; and subsequently, when 
the' requisite number of families were settled in Woodbridge, 
theGovernor generously fulfilled the conditions of the paper. 
The early history of Piscataway is very closely interwoven 
with that of Woodbridge. Notwithstanding its establishment 
as a plantation over two hundred years ago, it is still a small 
village— so small as to scarcely merit the name, although it 
bidslair to improve rapidly within a few years. Piscataway 
is a plaintive Indian word : " It is getting dark." It is supposed 
that the tribe which first sought out and named the place 
arrived at nightfall or in cloudy weather. The Indians say 
but little, ana it is probable that as the company halted here 
on the edge of the evening one of the grim travelers ejaculated 
the word, which thus became the designation of the place. 
Others suppose that the name was given by some emigrants 
from Maine, who settled the town in part— the section in 
Maine from which they came being known as Piscataqua. 
However, it had been an Indian village for a great many years 
before the white people came into it; and these Indians, it 
their traditions are reliable, came from the West. So that 
every one is at liberty to determine the matter to his own sat- 
isfaction. The preponderance of evidence is in favor of the 
second supposition, although we are reluctant to surrender 
the beautiful Indian legend. 

Piscataway was not erected into a township at the same 
time as was Woodbridge (which was contemplated by the in- 
habitants when the "agreement" of 1666 was drawn up). 
And yet we are told that the Gilmans had settled there as early 
as 1663, two years before Woodbridge was inhabited.* The 
slow growth of the population was, of course, the cause of the 
delay in making a township of the plantation. This honor 
Piscataway realized in 1798, one hundred and tliirty-two years 
after it was first broached. 

Three years after the Gilmans entered the place several 
other families settled there, after which Piscataway was sta- 
tionary for a while. 

The modes of traveling, in the days of which we are writ- 



♦.Historical Coll. ( f N. J., p. 323. 



12 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

ing, were limited. No roads were yet constructed, and the 
chief method of locomotion was, therefore, the primitive one 
.of walking. Riding on horseback was also somewhat in 
vogue ; but so much depended upon a man's being rich 
enough to own a horse and fortunate enough to keep one trom 
the prowling Indians, that even this means of travel was some- 
thing of a luxury. The tales, therefore, of the strength and 
hardihood of the men and women of those times may be read- 
ily accepted. The rough pioneer school in which they learned 
life's lessons must have either killed them or made tliem 
strong. 

In December (the 3d) of 1667 the authorities ordered that 
Woodbridge should be laid out — that is, surveyed, and plots 
assigned to the settlers, and roads marked out. In the con- 
struction of these public highways there was not, in some sec- 
tions, as much difficulty as might at first be imagined Before 
the English came, the Indians had been accustomed to burn 
the woods in order to kill the deer, which had the effect to 
keep the forests very clear of underbrush. This custom of 
burning made the task of clearing up the lands and building- 
public roads comparatively easy. Before the latter were laid 
out, however, the paths leading from place to place were 
nothing more than " trails," the direction of which was 
indicated by marks on the trees that stood in the course. It 
was needful, tlierefore, tliat the traveler should exercise great 
care in the prosecution of his journey, else he would be lost 
for days in the wilderness around him: not a pleasant 
prospect to the most experienced hunter ; for hungry beasts 
and lawless Indians were not the most agreeable creatures 
for a solitary white man to meet in an vm known wood. If 
he were abundantly provided with ammunition and a gun, his 
chances for securing regular meals were good ; for wild 
pigeons were plentiful a great part of the year — coming in 
such immense flocks sometimes as to darken the sky and 
break the limbs of the trees upon which they rested in their 
flight.'^ Besides, there were pheasants, plovers, wild ducks, 
and other birds in large numbers. But the trouble was the 

♦Smith's New Jersey, p. 511. 



ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. I3 

poivder. Ammuiiitioa was very scarce. And it must have 
been a source of considerable aggravation for the epicurean 
inhabitants to see so many fat dinners flying overhead, with 
no hope of bringing them down. 

As a matter of contemporary history, it may be mentioned 
that Newark was settled about nine months after Wood- 
brido-c, May 17, 1666, by the Rev. John Pierson. This 
clergvman came from Branford, Conn., and brought with 
hinCto found the new village, thirty families. But for more 
than sixteen years Woodbridge seems to have been ahead of 
Newark in population. It is unnecessary for us to tell 
Jerseymcn that this has not always been the case, but that, at 
the present time, the figures are out of all proportion in favor 
of Newark. However, it is some satisfaction for us to know 
that at one period our own village was the more populous. 
The population of Newark is to-day more than double that of 
the whole county of Middlesex, in which county the town of 
Woodbridge is situated. 

Elizabethtown was the most highly favored of all the 
provincial towns in East Jersey, especially during the admin- 
istration of Gov. Carteret, which extended from 1665 to 1682. 
It was natural that it should be so favored. It became the 
seat of government and the residence of all the chief officers 
of the Province. It was accessible for vessels of the largest 
tonnage which in those days crossed the seas, although it had 
no natural harbor like that at " Ambo Point " (Perth Amboy). 
Doubtless it was the most lively town in this section. Ships 
sailed back and forth between here and England, bringing 
thence friends, letters, and needed supplies. And we can 
imagine we see the Woodbridge settler making his way 
towards the port, across ten miles ot almost untrodden path. 
He follows the edge of the salt-marsh— a great land-mark 
which has remained unchanged amid many changes. He is 
the bearer of exceeding precious messages to those who are 
expected to arrive in the next ship, or to those waiting to 
return to " merrie England." Perhaps it is a love-letter, 
which he is commissioned to forward home by the next vessel 
voyaging thither. And it may possibly be that he is 
expecting some dear friend on the inward-bound ship, who is 



14 VVOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

to share with him the toils and pleasures of his pioneer life. 
How eagerly he asks the stranger whom he may chance to 
meet, " Has the ship come in ? " He reaches Rawawak River. 
If the tide is out he seeks a shallow place and wades across ; 
if the stream is full he must either swim to the opposite bank 
or sit down in patience until the waters flow back to the sea. 
When he at last approaches the Capital, he does not come 
with nicely-polished boots and a resplendent hat, as the 
Elizabethtown beau of the present time enters the presence of 
his chosen one. His boots are made of rough skin, and the 
only beaver he knows anything about is the one that 
builds its dam in the swamp ; for his head is surmounted by a 
shaggy cap. He carries a gun on his shoulder and a powder- 
horn dangles by his side. 

The Capital is not an imposing city. When Gov. Carteret 
arrived there in August of 1665 he found only four buildings 
erected, and they were log huts which had probably been 
built ill the previous year by the emigrants from Long Island 
or New England. The government buildings, which were 
constructed on the arrival of the Governor, might have been 
more pretentious ; but there is no trace of them remaining. 
Our traveler sees them, and no doubt is impressed with so 
much unwonted grandeur in this new country, and augurs 
from it more wonderful things in the future. How surprised 
he would be if he could stand in Water street to-day and be- 
hold the transformation which two centuries have produced ! 

The ship is in ! There are tidings from home ! Ah ! there 
is Jane, or Mary, or whoever the Woodbridge youth is in 
search of. The messages are delivered. How cordial the 
o-reetings are ! People who have never met before shake 
hands with each other. " So you have come over to try the 
new country, have you ? " " From what part of England did 
you come ? " " Did you know the Smiths in Lanca'shire? " 
*' How is Betsy?" "How is the baby?" These and hun- 
dreds of other questions are poured forth by the eager friends 
and equally eager passengers. We know these things to be 
so, without being eye-witnesses ; because it is human tor 
people so to do — and all our fathers and mothers of long ago 
were human, Darwin to the contrary notwithstanding. 



ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. 1 5 

And now we confess to a little perplexity. That youn.i» 
Woodbritlge man has a girl to take home, and there is no way 
to get there except on foot, for we forgot to let the fellow- 
take a horse. How he is going to transport her across 
the Rawawak is beyond our imagination, and hence we leave 
it to that of our patient reader. 



CHAPTER 11. 

1667—1677. 

The "Town Book" — Randolph's Copy — First Highways 
— Dunham's Grist Mill — View over the Sound — Old 
Dock — The First Mechanics in Woodbridge — And 
the First Baby — Old Landings. 

The earliest Town Records are the chief sources of inform- 
ation concerning the first years of this settlement. It is a 
:^rievous shame that the old " Town Book " has been 
mutilated by the abstraction of the first pages of it. The old 
Record ot Surveys, in the possession of the N. J. Historical 
Society, is also half destroyed. Such an outrage as the 
destruction of public records for the advantage of some 
individual (for this is, no doubt, the cause of the vandalism) 
deserves something more than the severest censure. 

We have handled the " Town Book " with reverence. 
Many of the leaves are loose, and all of them are yellow with 
age. A heavy piece of parchment forms the binding. Here 
we see the nervous penmanship of Samuel Moore, the second 
Town Clerk. It is so faded, in some places, as to be scarcely 
decipherable. This Book was copied in 1775-6 by Nathaniel 
Fitz Randolph, in a clear, round hand, by order of the 
Freeholders; and this well-preserved copy is in the hands of 
Mr. T. Harvey Morris, of Woodbridge. 

In accordance witli the order of December 3, 1667, we find 
A recorded, on the 8th of February, 1668, that several high- 
ways had already been opened. The first one mentioned ran 
down by the " Kirk Green," over the Papiack Creek, into tlic 
upland beyond. 

In regard to the size of the streams in Woodbridge a great 
change is said to have taken place. Papiack Creek has 



THE ANCIENT TOWN. I7 

dwindled to a brook, compared to its former majestic flood. 
Vessels once rode at anchor in the stream by the Salamander 
Works, which is now dishonored and forsaken. Nearly two 
hundred years have choked it vip, and tradition tells us that it 
has become only the miniature of what it once was. 

It was along the road, over the Papiack, at the first bridge 
to which you come afier passing the Presbyterian Church, 
that Jonathan Dunham built the fii'st grist mill ever erected 
in this part of the country, in the year 1670. The town 
agreed to give Jonathan ^30 for the improvement and all the 
sod out of the meadow he might need for damming. His toll 
was to be one-sixteenth, and tradition gives him credit for 
turning out the most beautiful meal ; and we are assured that 
his toll was so light that a man who brought a bag of grain to 
him took back two bags of flour. This old mill stood for 
many years, grinding for the comfort of several generations, 
and the old timbers which once supported it are lying on the 
ground and mark the site of the ancient building, on the west 
side of the stream. The writer had the satisfaction, recently, 
of examining one of the mill-stones which Jonathan used in 
his mill. It is still to be seen near the house adjoining the 
Trinity Chuixh, which house was once the residence of the 
great Woodbridge miller; although, of course, the beautiful 
structure now erected there, as the Trinity parsonage, is a 
transformation. When Jonathan's house was built it was the 
iine house, par excellence, in Woodbridge. It was standing two 
years ago, and looked so weird and strange that some were 
glad to see the builders reconstructing it, while others were 
sad when they saw tlie landmark disa])pear. It was originally 
constructed of brick, said to have been brought from Holland 
by vessels sailing hither and used as ballast on the voyage. 

Ccmiing up from Papiack Creek the highway, of which wc 
have been speaking, passed the " meeting house green " (i. e., 
the land appropriated for religious purposes, upon part of 
which the Presbyterian Church now stands), and took a 
westward course. Another road, laid out at the same time, 
crossed the former at nearly right angles, running over the 
" meeting-house green," and having a north and south 
direction. 



J 8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Another highway was laid out, running north from the foot 
of Strawberry Hill, or the " Sheep Common," as it was often 
called, crossing Manning's Brook and entering the common 
land beyond. Another road began at the southwest corner of 
the same hill and ran in a southerly direction, crossing the 
'• Spa Spring " Brook, and thence continuing toward Pertli 
Amboy. Another was surveyed from the west 'side of the 
hill, and, after passing through a thick wood, held a crooked 
course to Piscataway. Another was laid out, soon after those 
above mentioned, which Avas intended to accommodate 
persons who owned meadow adjacent to the upland over- 
looking the Sound. It began at the mouth of the Papiack 
Creek, in the neighborhood of the spot where Boynton's 
factory now stands, and ran northward, nearly parallel with 
the Sound, for a mile or two, and thence continued until 
it crossed the road leading' up from the meadow where 
Jonathan Dunham's mill afterward stood. 

Along these highways " house lots " were surveyed for the 
freeholders, to each of which a specified amount of " meadow- 
land " was added. The liouse lots were not of the same size. 
They varied in this respect very much. John Pike's lot, 
which was on the east side of Strawberry Hill, was ten acres 
in extent. The elder John Martin's, on the north of this hill, 
was a lot of eleven acres. Samuel Dennis had twelve acres 
for his house ; old Thomas Bloomfield, seventeen and a half; 
young Thomas, eleven and a half ; Samuel Moore, sixteen : 
John Dennis, nineteen and a half; Henry Lesenbe, ten; 
Obadiah Aycrs, sixteen, etc. 

The highway running north past the Kirk Green was not 
exactly "laid out" as we now find it. It ran behind the 
present Presbyterian Church building, instead of passing 
before it ; and, if it should ever be opened again, it would be 
found crossing the present highway at an acute angle in front 
of the Trinity Church, the northern branch diverging to the 
west and the southern branch tending eastward. ■^• 

The view over the sound on tlie upland, across the 



* Mr. T. H. Morris, a pracliciil surveyor, gives this as bis oi.inWn, alter a careful study 
of the old records. 



THE ANCIENT TOWN. 



19 



meadows, is a very fine one, and we do not wonder that our 
fathers chose it as part of their inheritance. If we blot from 
the picture before us the houses on Staten Island, the fences 
and dwellings in the Neck on the left, and the sails from the 
water we shall have a scene very much, if not entirelv, like 
that the early settlers looked upon. Not long ago we stood 
upon the bluff and tried to imagine that we were livino- two 
centuries in the past. Below us stretched the beautiful beach 
upon which the Indians used to wander at low tide in search 
of oysters. Far to the left the quiet waters of Smith's Creek 
were seen, winding this way and that, looking like a 
crumpled blue ribbon tlirown at random on the green 
meadow. Farther still, on the left, appeared the groves and 
white farm houses on what was once called " Papiack Neck." 
Before us the clear waters of the Sound swept around a 
graceful curve, fringed with the tall reeds that grow so 
abundantly in our salt marshes. Across the broad expanse 
are the highlands of Siaten Island, which make a handsome 
background for the picture — especially with the delicate blue 
sky of this August afternoon right above it. Pleasui-e boats 
are gaily floating yonder, and in the bend near Rossville we 
watch the approaching steamboat bound for New Brunswick. 
As she passes us the distant murmur of her paddle-wheels 
comes to our ears like the music of an ocean shell ; and so we 
note her disappearance far down the Sound. If we lean 
forward we may see, on the right, imder the bluff, the red 
building used for several years as a hay-press establishment ; 
and right in front of it the steamboat landing, where, in 
modern times, until the railroad was laid through Wood- 
bridge, we embarked for New York. 

Long ago, we imagine, an August afternoon w(juld have 
presented us an Indian canoe (;n the w\ater, with a swarthv 
occupant nonchalantly watching his fishing line. Perhaps 
some settler has parted the bushes and is glancing from this 
very bluff over the Summer scene. Farther up a group of 
Indians have gathered in the shade of some forest trees, and 
are gazing abstractedly at the smouldering fire where oysters 
are being roasted in the ashes. And along the beach, the 
beautiful sandy beach, there wanders another of the mel- 



20 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

ancholy race, listening to tlie sympathetic voices of the little 
waves that plash upon the shore. Perchance the hungry face 
of a wolf peers through the upland thicket, and we almost 
expect to hear the sharp crack of the rifle of John Ilsly, the 
great Woodbridge wolf-hunter. 

How rudely is our reverie broken ! Just behind us, on this 
classic highland, is the noise of carts coming and going. 
There is a railroad in course of construction, and it requires 
no prophet to foresee that in time this bluff will be crowned 
witli Summer cottages, rivaling in elegance those of some of 
the sea-side resorts. 

For a short distance from its mouth. Smith's Creek keeps 
nearly to a north and south line. The first bend is toward 
the east. On the west side of this elbow there has evidently 
been a dock. The road-tracks are yet to be seen, though 
thickly overgrown with grass. It is supposed that this is the 
site of a very old dock which our fathers used in the 
transportation of salt hay. 

Ancient Woodbridge seems to have been well supplied 
with mechanics. Among them we notice five carpenters, 
viz.: John Ilsly, Samuel Hale, John Bishop, Henry Jaquis, 
and Hugh March; one shoemaker, John Watkins; four 
blacksmiths, John Crandel, John Robinson, Daniel Pierce, 
and John Taylor; one mason, Benjamin Cromwell: two 
tanners, William Elston and John Mootry ; and three 
weavers, Samuel Dennis, John Robeson, and Adam Hude. 
John French was a dealer in bricks, and was elected a 
Freeholder, on condition that he should furnish the Wood- 
bridge men with bricks in preference to all others. He was 
a mason by trade, and no doubt plied his vocation. Good- 
natured John Smith was a millwright. Tiiere was another 
man bearing this name (as there always will be), and the 
neighbors tried to keep them unmixed by addressing the 
latter us John Smith, Scolchman. Benjamin Parker was a 
joiner. " Benony Blacklich," who came into the settlement in 
1671, was a shoemaker. Elisha Parker is mentioned ^as a 
merchant. Two doctors of medicine prescribed for the ailing 
— George Lockhart and Peter Dessigny. 

About the middle of November, 1667, a sensation was 



THE ANCIENT TOWN. 21 

created in the settlement by the arrival of a baby — the first 
white baby born in the place. The town recognized the 
event in May (iSth), 1717, after the child had grown to 
womanhood and was married, by the following order : " itt 
was voatted & allowed yt Caleb Gamble shall Draw a Lott 
with use Jn this fourth Division [of] Lotts. Jn Consideration 
his Wife was ye first Christian Child yt was born Jn this 
town."* Her name was Mary Compton, daughter of 
William and Mary Compton. She married Caleb Campbell, 
January ist, 1696. Her grave is still to be seen in the rear of 
the Presbyterian Chtirch, marked by a brown stone partly 
covered with moss. The inscription reads as follows : 

"In memory of Mary, Wife of Caleb Campbell, who died Febry the 
15, 1735. Aged 67 years and 3 months. The first Born child in Wood- 
bridge." 

We cannot resist the temptation to muse a little while. 
Was Mary pretty } Was her life a happy one .^ Could her 
friends say of her, as Whittier has done of another: 

" The blessing of her quiet life 
Fell on us like the dew ; 
And good thoughts, where her footsteps pressed, 
Like fairy blossoms grew " ? 

How much we might learn from her lips if they could be 
unsealed and the memory of other days be recalled ! It 
seems so strange that in this silent graveyard are hushed 
voices which two hundred years ago were familiar sounds in 
the settlement. Now, aught of good or evil they cannot tell 
us. And two hundred years from to-day — what then .? Will 
some one be standing over the stone which records your 
forgotten name, and wonder about you, as we marvel now 
over Mary's tomb .^ 

" Death comes, life goes ; the asking eye 
And ear are answerless ; 
The grave is dumb, the hollow sky 
Is sad with silentness. 



*Freeholders' Reords, MS., page 30. 



22 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITV. 

"But warm, sweet, tender, even yet 
A present help is lie ; 
And faith has still its Olivet, 
And love its Galilee." 

It matters little where they laid thee, Mary ; for if thou 
hadst faith in Jesus thou shalt rise from this sunken grave to 
live with Him who saved thee. 

Pierce's Landing was a point at which many boats 
discharged their cargoes two centuries since It was named 
from the Pierces, who lived near by, and was situated at the 
mouth of the Papiack Creek (or River, as it was sometimes 
called), about where Boynton's dock is now located. It is not 
probable that any wharf was built there, but that the cargo 
was landed on the beach, which, tradition tells us, was 
beautifully graveled and sloped toward the water. Joshua 
Pierce, and Daniel, his father, lived a short distance along the 
upland road. Joshua's pasture land was contiguous to the 
Landing, and required to be protected b}^ a "good, sufficient 
gate " placed in the roadway. 

Voquillen's Landing, named for the provincial Surveyor- 
General, was nearly opposite Pierce's Landing, and is well 
known as the " Old Stone Dock " even at the present. It Avas 
intended to accommodate the inhabitants living on the other 
side of the Papiack, or Woodbridge Creek. The road leading 
down to it passed through Voquillen's land; and his en- 
deavor to shut off all communication with the dock by the 
inhabitants provoked the latter into compelling him to 
re-open the highway. 

Several other landings were known to the early settlers — 
among them Bacon's Landing, Cornfield Landing (now 
Cutter's Dock), Cortland's Landing, etc. The last is supposed 
to have been located on Smith's Creek, near the property of 
Mr. J. Bunn ; and doubtless this is the site of Cortland's saw- 
mill — one of the earliest constructed in the Province. 

Other localities and points of interest will be designated as 
they are found recorded in the Town Book. 



CHAPTER 111. 

1 6 ( ') 7 — 1 1 > 7 7 [Continutd). 

WOODBRIDGE ChARTI.R ItS CONFIRMATION P.V THE LORDr- 

PROPRIETORS — First Legislature of New Jersey — In- 
surrection AGAINST Gov. Carteret's Government — 
Names of Settlers — Samuel Moore — Quit Rents — 
" Ambo Point" — Indian Sale — The Old Prison — Odd 
Names. 

As v/AS stated in the previous chapters, Woodbridgc was 
ordered to be laid out December 3d, 1667. It is probable that 
this order was in process of execution throughout the fol- 
lowing' year. On the ist of June, 1669, Woodbridge Town- 
ship was created, and on the i6th the Charter was granted. 
Gordon savs, very truly, in his History of ^^€70 Jersey, that this 
Charter " was one of the most liberal e\er given in America." 
It was framed in accordance with the ''Agreement " of 1666. 
Some of the landmarks by which the boundaries were designa- 
ted are, of course, unknown ; but a general idea of ancient 
Woodbridge may be obtained from this paper. 

The line began at the mouth of the Rahway River (called 
Ra'icack) and followed the stream as high as the tide flowed to 
a fresh-water brook running west north-west, " where there 
stands a beech tree that is marked on the four sides of it." 
From this tree the line ran straight west through one large 
swamp and two small ones until it reached a walnut stake in 
an open field. This stake was marked with two notches and 
a cross. The distance from the beech tree to the stake was 
five and a half miles. The line turned sharply to the south 
from this pcnnt, running through what was known as " Dismal 
Swamp," and striking the Raritan River at a distance of seven 
and a half miles from the walnut stake mentioned above. 
The line now comes within ten chains west of two red cliffs 



24 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

on the opposite side of tlie river. On the border of the meadows 
were two black-oak trees, about a rod apart, which were 
marked with three notches, breast high, and a notch on the 
four sides of each tree on the stump, and a cross upon each 
tree above the upper notches. There was certainly no danger 
of losing those trees, unless some mischievous scamp had 
marked neighboring black oaks in the same mysterious 
manner. However, no bad boys were in existence at that 
time; so no danger was apprehended from this source. 
Midway between these two trees there was a stake driven, 
over which the township line extended from the point this 
side of the red cliffs mentioned before, and tw^o more stakes 
indicated the boundary across the meadows. 

The Charter then gives the general bounds, thus : " On 
the east side by the Arthur Cull River, otherwise called the 
Sound, that parts Staten Island from the maine [land] ; on 
the north side by the bounds belonging to Elizabethtown, 
on the west side by the bounds belonging to New Piscata- 
way, and on the south side by the aforesaid Rariton's River." 
Allowance being made for w^aste places and highways, the 
township was to contain six miles square, " which amounts 
to twenty-three thousand and forty acres, English measure." 
The proprietors reserved to themselves half of the gold and 
silver found in the New Jersey mines, and this reservation is 
mentioned in this Charter; but no great quantity of either 
precious metal was ever found in the township, and then only 
as it was brought in by the traders. 

The Charter further provided that sixty fxmilies at least 
should be comprised within the limits of the township, among 
whom the upland and meadow should be equally divided by 
lot, or in such other manner as they themselves might agree 
upon : " provided that Amboy Point be reserved, to be 
disposed of, by the Lords-proprietors, tov/ards the thousand 
acres of upland and meadow that is reserved by the first 
articles made before the settling of the said township." An 
official record ot each man's allotment was to be made, which 
was to be placed on file in the Secretary's office in Elizabeth. 
Two hundred acres of good upland and meadow were to be 
laid out for the use of the minister, and one hundred more 



EARLY EVENTS. 25 

for " the maintenance of a free school." In addition, lands for 
building a church thereupon, for use as a church-yard, for the 
erection of a school-house, for a market-place, and other 
public purposes, were donated to the township, and forever 
exempted from taxation. The creation of a township Court, 
with the officers necessary for its effective operation, was 
authorized in accordance with the provisions of the " Articles 
of Agreement." The sections in the Articles in regard to 
Free Trade, War, Election of Deputies, Liberty to sell and 
remove from the place, were all substantially adopted in this 
generous Charter. 

The paper concludes with the reservation, to the Lords- 
proprietors, of nine hundred acres of upland in and around 
Amboy Point, and one hundred acres of meadow "in the most 
convenient place adjacent to Amboy Point." This was to be 
the tract of one thousand acres, mentioned previously, to be 
held exclusively by the Proprietors of the Province. 

The document is signed by the Governor, Philip Carteret ; 
by his Private Secretary, Jas. Bollen ; and by the Council of 
the Province, viz.: Robert Vanquellin, William Pardon^ 
Robert Bond, Nicholas Ver Lett, Samuel Edsall. 

Although the Charter went into effect immediately after it 
was granted, three years and a half elapsed before it was 
confirmed by the English Proprietors. The following is the 
Confirmation :* 

" We, the Lords-proprietors of the Province of JVeta 
Cesar ea^ or New Jersey, having taken a view of this above 
written deed, grant, or charter, made by Capt. Phillip 
Carteret, Esq., Governor of our said Province, and his 
Councell, bearing date ye first day of June, 1669, whereby he 
did enable and give power to ye Justices, Magistrates, 
and Freeholders, in the Towne of Woodbridge, in the said 
Province forever to become a corporation with generall 
limitations, priviledges, Buttalls, and bundalls therein par- 
ticularly expressed, No%v, know ye that wee, the said Lords- 
proprietors, at the request of the said Justices, Magistrates, 
and Freeholders, and for divers good causes, and consider- 

♦East Jersey Records, vol. Ist., p. 144. 



26 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

ations, us there-unto-moving have ratified and confi,rmed, and 
by these presents do for our heirs, successors, and assigns, 
for ever Ratifye and confirme unto the said Justices, 
Magistrates and Freeholders of Woodbridge, the said grant 
and Charter with all and every — the lands and meadows soe 
limited butted and bounded and all and singular other 
privi ledges and immunities therein mentioned and expressed* 
Reserving to us, our heirs and successors what else is 
therein reserved. Giving order hereby to ye Secretary of our 
said province to enter this our confirmation into our Records 
there, and to fix to it our province scale, Given under our 
hands and Scales at Whitehall, tlie seventh day of December, 
in the year of our Lord God 1673. 

Jo. Berkeley. Go. Carteret. " 

With such advantageous terms as were those embraced iu 
the Charter it would have been strange, indeed, if the town 
had not become one of the most prosperous in this section. 

The first Legislature of New Jersey met at Elizabeth on 
the 26tli of May, 1668 ; the first election tor Deputies (of 
whom two were to be chosen from each town) being ordered, 
by proclamation of the Governor, on the 7th of April 
previous. In this session Woodbridge \\as represented by 
Samuel Moore and Robert Dennis, two leading men in the 
settlement. The second session was held on the 3d of 
November of the same year. Deputies were present from 
Newark, Elizabeth, Bergen, Shrewsbury, Woodbridge, and 
Middletovvn, at these sessions, which were both short — the 
first being four days long, the next three. The latter was by 
no means a iiarmonious assemblage, and after its three days' 
purposeless discussion it adiourned. The next Legislative 
session was not held until seven j-ears afterward. 

The year in which the prosperity of Woodbridge was 
signalized by the erection of a grist mill came near proving 
disastrous to the Province at large. Shrewsbury and 
Middletown had been settled under grants from Gov. 
Nicliols, of New York, who imagined that his jurisdiction 
extended over all the country surrounding Manhattan. The 
settlers of these towns had bought their lands from the 
Indians, in addition to securing grants from Nichols; so that 



EARLV KVr.NTS. 27 

they asserted tliat they were free from any obligation to pay 
the tax upon the land which was demanded by the Pro- 
prietors. This annual rent was to begin in 1670; and as the 
time drew nigh the malcontents became openly hostile to 
Carteret and his governinent, and resolved to overthrow them. 
Deputies were elected in the towns, and met in Elizabeth on 
the 14th of May, 1672, claiming to be the legal Legislature of 
New Jersey. The Governor went to England, carrying the 
news of the outbreak to the Proprietors. The Duke of 
York, under whom Gov. Nichols had been appointed, and 
under whose authority, therefore, the insurrectionists had set 
up tiieir claims, wrote to Governor Lovelace, of New York, 
that he would not countenance the New Jersey riot, and he 
declared the Nichols grants to be void. 

Lord Berkeley had become so disgusted with his Nova 
drsarca property that he sold out his share for less than 
$5,000 to John Fenwick and Edward By Hinge on the 18th of 
March, 1673. 

To what lengths the people in the Province might have 
carried their revolutionary proceedings, if no interruption to 
their designs had occurred, cannot, of course, be easily 
ciDnjectured. Proprietary rule seemed on the verge of utter 
extinction, when a fleet of Dutch vessels appeared in the 
harbor of New York, and. in July, 1673, captured the city, and 
with it the whole of New Jersey w^as subjugated. By a treaty 
of peace, in the following year, between Holland and 
England the Provinces were restored to Englisii rule. 
Edmund Aadross, a fussy, domineering man, was made 
Governor of New York, and Philip Carteret was re-appointed 
to New Jersey The latter was welcomed back to the 
Province, and resumed the reins ot Government as though 
nothing had interfered with it. The discontented settlers 
wisely refrained from again setting up their exemption 
claims — discouraged from it, either by the Duke of York's 
emphatic repudiation of the Nichols grants, or by the fear of 
coming into collision with the English Government. Then, 
too, nobody would come into the Province to settle while it 
was so distracted — hence, self-interest may have influenced 
them in this respect. At any rate the storm blew over, and 



28 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



the inhabitants began the payment of the land tax of one half- 
penny per acre, or one whole penny, if the lands were 
valuable; and if there was any grumbling it did not again 
result in open rebellion againj-t the Government. 

The following list* of Freeholders of Woodbridge is 
supposed to comprise actual settlers to whom patents were 
granted in 1670, or thereabouts ; with the amount of land each 
man received. No doubt the land was laid out in plots, and 
selection was made by the drawing of lots, as was suggested 
in the Charter. The names in small capitals are those of 
the nine original associates, who were each granted 240 acres 
of upland and 40 of meadow, in addition to the regular 
allotment. The names in italics are not found in the list of 
land-holders in 1682, these persons having either disposed of 
their rights or been admitted as Freeholders subsequently; 



ACRES. 

John Adams 97 

Ephraim Andrews (1678) 98 

Thomas Auger, or Alger 167 

Obadiah Ayers 171 

Samuel Baker, or Bacon 170 

Joshua Bradley 171 

John Bishop 470 

John Bishop, Jr 77 

Matthew Bunn, " Mariner" 165 

Tiios. Blomfield 326 

Thos. Blomfield, Jr 92 

John Blomfield 90 

John Conger 170 

John Cromwell.... 173 

Wm. Compton 174 

RoBT. Dennis 448 

John Dennis 107 

Sam'l Dennis 94 

John Dilly (1076) 94 

Hugh Dun 92 

Jonathan Dunham (1672) 213 

John French, " Mason " 15 

Rehoboth Gannlt 448 

Daniel Grasie 164 

Samuel Hale 167 

Jonathan Haynes (1673) 97 

Elishallsley 172 

Henry Jaques, \ .>p^ 

Henry Jaques, Jr. J 



ACRES. 

Stephen Kent 249 

Stephen Kent, Jr 104 

Henry Lessenby 88 

George Little 100 

FIuGii March 320 

David Makany 168 

Samuel Moore 356 

Matthew Moore 177 

Benjamin Parker, "Joiner" 105 

Elisha Parker (1675) 182 

John Pike 308 

John Pike, Jr 91 

Daniel Pierce 456 

Joshua Pierce 30 

Daniel Robins 173 

Robert Rogers 91 

John Smith, " Millwright "f 513 

Samuel Smith (1676) 103 

John Smith, Scotchman 176 

Isaac Tappan 172 

Abraham Tappan 95i-.< 

John Taylor, " Blacksmith " 93 

Israel Tliorne (1676) 96 

Robert Vanquellin, ) ^~.~ 

or La Prauie. \ 

John Watkins 93 

Nathan Webster 93 

.John Whitaker 91 

Richard AVorth 172 



* We have taken this list from Win. A. Whitehead's "Contributions to East Jersey His- 
tory," pngo 800. See also old Kecord, Lib. A. 
t Not wheelwrifrlit, as Whitehead s.iyp. 



EARLY EVENTS. 



29 



Fifty-seven names— quite a respectable settlement ! The 
following additional names are found in the Town Book, 
without date: 

ACRES. , ACRES. 

Thos. Adams \Iioperrdl Ilidl 

John Allen, "Minister" 97i John Ilsley 97 

John Averill i. John Martin, Sr 255 

Wm. Binglcy \%%\Thoma» Pike 

Jonathan Bishop jJobn Trewiuan 97 

Capt. Philip Carteret 313 i Lords-proprietors 1,000 

Jas. Gluicson, or Clarkson i For the Ministry 'SOO 

Jonathan Dennis [Maintenance of School 100 

Samuel Moore was one of the most distinguished citizens 
of Woodbridge, and wielded considerable influence in the 
Province. He came from Massachusetts, and exhibited, 
in his new home, much of the enterprise and public spirit 
which have made the people of New England famous. He 
was very popular — being chosen Deputy to the General 
Assembly no less than five times: in 1668 (to the first 
Legislature held in the Province), 1669, '70, '82, '87. In 1672 
he was President of the Township Court, of which he was a 
subordinate member the previous year. For nearly twentv 
years he was the Town Clerk — from 1669 to 1688 — a period ot 
official service almost without a parallel in these days of 
" rotation." 

On the 7th of December, 1672, the Proprietors sent from 
Whitehall a dispatch to the Governor, Council, and Receiver- 
General, ordering the payment to Mr. Moore of ^10 annually 
for the next seven years, and authorized them to give him 
sixty acres of upland for each person in his family, in 
addition to the land he had already taken up as a settler. A 
proportionate amount of meadow-land was also ordered to be 
donated to him. No reason for this liberality is given in tlie 
paper, but it was undoubtedly the reward for some public 
service. Land was often given by the Proprietors to 
stimulate the enterprise of the inhabitants. However this 
may be, he grew in favor with the authorities, for, in 1683, he 
was appointed High Sheriff of Middlesex County — a position 
of great dignity and responsibility at that time.* 



* He seems to have been eminently qualified for such a position, for, in 16T2-3, he was Mar- 
."hal of the Proviuce umler Gov. Carteret (see Hatfield's Elizabeth, pp. 143 and I'iS). He was 
lor several years, 'I'reasurer of East Jemey, beinjr elected to that office, Dec 9 icTo cSee 
Learning Si, Spicer, pp. 101, 129.) ' , , . v^e 



30 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, 

In the same dispatch whicli conferred these gifts on Mr. 
Moore, the Proprietors gave to the Township of Woodbridge 
one-third part of the quit i-ents, or land tax, for the next seven 
years; at the end ot which time (about January, 1680) the 
corporation ivas to pay its full proportion, according to 
agreement. 

The devout people in the settlement had grown numerous 
enough and sufficiently strong to build a meeting-house, 
which was done in 1675. Three buildings have been erected 
on the same site. We shall have occasion, in the later pages 
of this volume, to recount the history of this church, so 
intimately connected with the story of our village. 

It was in July of the year 1676 that a great change was 
made in the government of New Jersey. Previously, Gov. 
Carteret's government had extended from Staten Island Sound 
to the Delaware River, and from Cape May to the hills of 
Bergen. By an agreement between the proprietors, the Prov- 
ince was divided — forming two Provinces, to be distinguished 
as East and West Jersey. East Jersey continued to be gov- 
erned by Philip Carteret. The line of partition began at 
Little Egg Harbor, and was drawn straight across in a north- 
west direction, until it touched the Delaware River, in latitude 
41 degrees north. Tliis, at least, was the general direction 
which, it was agreed, the line should take ; but it was not sur- 
veyed and officially settled until long afterward, Woodbridge, 
of course, fell on the east side of the new boundary, and 
remained, therefore, in Carteret's jurisdiction. 

The Governor began to think of making a commercial town 
of Amboy, and cleared several vessels from the i^ort during 
this vear. He was tlie more zealous to do this because a great 
deal of the reserved property of the Proprietors was located 
there, and a busy town at this point would enhance the value 
ot it. If he had succeeded in this i)urpose it would have been 
the means of making a city of Woodbridge, for they lay but 
three miles apart. But New York was a dangerous rival, and, 
as will be seen, its authorities exerted themselves to the utmost 
to ruin the prospects of Amboy. The harbor of the latter is one 
of the finest in the world ; and it is a matter of ever-recurring 
wonder why it is not one of the chief commercial marts ia 
America. 



EARLY EVENTS. . 3 1 

It was knowa among the Indians as Amho^ the Point, and 
was for some time called, tautologically, " Ambo Point" by 
the English. Afterwards it was called Perth, in honor of the 
Earl of Perth, who became one ot the Proprietors of the 
Province. But in 1698 the name by which it is now 
designated was officially given to it in a dispatch from the 
English authorities. 

In 1677 Gov. Carteret made a successful attempt to buy from 
the Indians all the unbought lands lying between AVoodbridge 
and Piscataway. It is the glory of New Jersey that not a rod 
of its domain was wrested from the Aborigines bv fraud or 
violence. Every foot was paid for. The land was purchased 
directly from the Indians, at prices that were satisfactor}- to 
both parties— a fact of which no other State can boast, not 
even that of William Penn. As a consequence the savao-es 
>\ere friendly to all the Jersey settlers, except the Dutch, who 
did not seem to understand them. It seems singular that the 
value which the Indians set upon the lands should have been 
so low. Smith, in his History of New Jersey, says tliev never 
asked a high price for anything they had to sell — a degree of 
modesty which has vanished with other barbarous peculiar- 
ities and usages. To see how cheaply they sold tlie valuable 
tract of country lying between Woodbridge and Piscataway, 
we have only to examine the agreement between the Indian 
land-holders and the Governor. The owners were three 
in number, viz.: Conackamack, Capatamin, and Tliing(.)rav.-is ; 
and this is the price of the land: one hundred fathoms of 
white wampum, six match coats, four blankets, three guns, 
six sliirts, twenty bars of lead, twenty double hands of 
powder, one anker ot rum, twelve axes, two half vats of beer, 
and six kettles ! That is all I And yet the natives thought it 
was enough and were thoroughly delighted wnth the bargain. 
The sale took place in the presence of Emerus, Sachem of the 
Nevesinks, Ouermacke, Eramky, and other Indians as wit- 
nesses. 

But, as this document is a literary curiosity, having never 
before been published, Ave give it to our readers, without 
alteration, as it is found in the archives of New Jersey: 

" Know all men by these presents that wee Conackamack, 



32 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Capatamin, Thingorawis natives and owners of a certain tract 
of land lyinpf and being about Woodbridge & Piscataway, have 
bargained, alienated and sould unto the Hon. Phillip Carteret 
Esq. Governor of the Province of New Jersey for & in the 
behalf of the right Honoble Sir George Carteret Kt. & Bar- 
onet, Lord Proprietor of the said province, in the presence of 
Emerus, Sachem of the Navesinks; Ouermacke, Eramky and 
other Indians as witnesses hereunto, for, and in consideration 
of these species following, viz — one hundred fatheni ot white 
wampum, six match coates, Foure blankets, three guns, six 
shirts, twenty barrs of lead, twenty double hands of powder, 
one anker of Rum, twelve axes, two halfe Fatts of beere, and 
six kettles; the which said goods wee doe hereby acknowl- 
edge to have received to our content and satisfaction, the 
which said tract of Land begins at a place called Macask- 
hegen or Kent's Neck upon the Rariton River, from thence 
runs up the said river westward to a fresh river called by the 
Indians Saconck, from thence, running along the said river as 
the river runs downe North, easterly, to a swamp called by 
them Maniquescake (and by the English, Dismal) from thence 
to a place called Matockshoning where there is a stake 
planted for Woodbridge — northermost bounds; from thence 
to a Swamp called Tamagues (by the English great Swamp) 
and from thence running Southerly to Macaskhegen where it 
first began, to have and to hold the said Tract of Land as it 
is laid out and bounded, as aforesaid, together with all the 
woods, pastures, meadows, mines, mineralls, Quarryes, 
Swamps, rivers, & Rivulets thereunto belonging, joining and 
appertaining to him the said Sr. George Carteret hjs Heirs or 
Assigns forever, Free from any clainie, hindrance, or 
incumbrance whatsoever by us or by any of us, or by any of 
our heirs or successors forever, and that wee will for ever 
defend the said Sr. George Carteret his Heirs and Assigns for 
the quiet and peaceable government and possession of the 
premises from and after the date hereof. In witness whereof 
wee tlie said natives above mentioned have hereunto sett our 
hands & Seales the 14th day of September, 1677." 

The signatures of the three owners are attached. Conack- 
aniack makes a nervous-looking cross ; Capatamin makes a 



EARLY EVENTS. 33 

mark like the figure 3, which, however, is nearly turned over 
on its back ; Thingorawis, for some reason, urged his brother 
Conackamack to sign the deed in his behalf, which he did with 
a bold X, Four Indian witnesses signed the paper. Emerus, 
Sachem of the Nevesinks, was the first, his mark looking very 
much like the English capital C. Eramky's very much 
resembles an F Clef in a glee-book — from which we argue 
that he must have been in high glee — especially in view of 
those ten gallons of rum which he, of course, expected to 
share with his friends. Ah, how much our fathers were to 
blame for introducing this vile beverage among the poor 
Indians! Queramack's mark looks something like the 
English capital G, and Nameth's signature resembles an A. 
Below these are three English names; John Bloomfield, 
Claude Valott, Hopewell Hull; and beneath these is the 
official sign manual of James BoUen, Secretary of the 
Province. 

The Indians living in and around Woodbridge when the 
first settlers came, and doubtless those from whom the land 
in the foregoing deed was bought, were mostly Raritans, or 
Raritons. No doubt other tribes frequently visited these 
sections, such as the Nevesinks, Minisinks or Muncys, 
Pomptons, Mantas and Naraticongs ; but the Raritans were 
the original owners of the soil along the river that bears their 
name. They were not numerous, nor, indeed, were any of 
the New Jersey tribes. Smith says that tribes in some 
sections were from ten to twenty miles apart. Many of these 
Indians came to Ambo during the fishing season to catch 
perch, eels, oysters, clams, and other fish. The oysters to be 
found at this place were so good and so plentiful that the}'- 
were the subject of many commendations by the delio-hted 
Englishmen, one of whom wrote home that he thought there 
were enough oysters at Perth to supply the whole of 
England — and they were such " brave oysters ! " 

In October, 167 1, a tax was levied by the " Town Meeting " 
to provide for an expedition against the Indians who were 
exhibiting signs of dissatisfaction — or, at least, were supposed 
to be manifesting an inclination to fight. Ten pounds of 
powder and twenty pounds of lead were bought, and then our 
c 



34 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

forefathers waited for the war-whoop of the savages, prepared 
to march among them and annihilate them at the first sound 
of hostility. If such a war was actually prosecuted the town- 
ship officials must have been very much ashamed of it, for no 
record is preserved of the campaign. It is altogether likely 
that the suspicions of the people in regard to the Indians 
were groundless ; or it may be that the latter, observing the 
war-like preparations, relinquished their murderous designs. 

Four years after, in September, 1675, the inhabitants were 
ao-ain agitated on the subject. The Governor and Council 
ordered that a stockade should be built around the town 
prison, partly as a fortification and partly as a place of refuge 
tor the women and children in case of attack. It was built of 
logs at least nine feet in length. The fortification was never 
needed, for the anticipated assault was not made. 

Tradition informs us that the prison just mentioned stood, 
in those days, where Mr. J. Mattison Melick's house now 
stands. The author remembers when the old Presbyterian 
parsonage (a venerable stone structure) occupied the same 
site. This was torn down to make room for the present 
tasteful residence, the property having been sold by the 
Presbyterians. The "Prison" was also known, so it is said, 
as the " Court House."* The Township Court held its ses- 
sions in this building, and many criminals found a temporary 
resting place within its walls. 

Among other difficulties with which our fathers had to 
contend, not the least, perhaps, was the manufacture of appro- 
priate names for the numerous new localities with whicli they 
found themselves in contact. In some cases they used the 
Indian name ; but this was not always available, for the very 
good reason that their jaws were regarded as of more conse- 
quence than the designation of any place could possibly be. 
Besides, the Indians, being accustomed to using the nose very 

* There is another tradition which seems to indicate that this is incorrect. Mr. T. Harvey 
Morris, residing in the immediate vicinity of the old " Prison " site, says that an aged citizen 
informed him that the "Court House" stood on the spot mentioned above, and that the 
" Prison " (a separate building) was located some distance in the rear of it. This is corrobo- 
rated, apparently, by some diggers finding, a ft*w years aeo, a subtt-rranean structure resembling 
a dungeon (in which were found balls with chains attached, etc.), at a considerable distance 
Irom the sile of the old Court House. 



father, 
uieeting 



Elisha Parker, weaver, purchased seven acres in Woodbridge, Sept. 7, 16S0, from his 
er, EUsha, "lying on the west side of the highway that goeth from the prison to .tho 
tine house." This helps to locate the prison on the site Indicated as the Court House. 



EARLY EVENTS. 



3S 



largely in pronunciation, producing a heavy nasal sound, our 
fathers found it difficult to pronounce some of their words, 
unless they were under the influence of a disagreeable catarrh. 
Consequently, sundry English words were employed to 
distinguish certain places from others ; with what success, 
may be gathered from the mention of two points of interest in 
the town. A little stream near the elder Stephen Kent's 
house, as we learn from the manuscript book of surveys of 
Woodbridge in the library of the Historical Society of New 
Jersey (page 84), was called " Sling-taile Brook." Just think 
of that — " Sling-taile Brook " ! AVhat the name commemo- 
rates we are not in a position to tell. Some Kilkenny cat 
fight may have originated it — or the windings of the brook 
may have given some one the idea that it was very slino--tail 
in its character — or some demure domestic animal mav have 
been switching herself contemplatively, as cows have done 
from time immemorial, and in so doing frightened some vil- 
lage swain who was rambling along the romantic stream, and 
he has caused a search after a supposable ghost, Avhich has 
resulted in detecting the sedate bovine busily employed in 
slinging her tail. However interesting the origin of the name, 
we cannot give any certain knowledge of it. The little stream 
which bore the distinction of " Sling-taile Brook " was that 
one in the neighborhood of Ford's Corner, which place was 
itself dignified as Sling fail in the memory of some people 
now living. 

The other name alluded to was equally sentimental. It was 
Alutton Holloiv^ situated on the west side of the town, in what 
is now known as the Clay Bank Region. Here again we are 
at a loss to account for the origin of the appellation. It is a 
holloiv, that much is certain ; but it is the mutton we cannot 
explain. Sheep meat is notoriously fat, and it is barely 
possible that some settler, noticing the greasy clay which 
abounded in the valley, took it for mutton fat. It is by no 
means certain that this is the correct history of this locality. 
We only suggest it as affording a faint clue to the origin of 
the name. It is a more modern name than " Sling-taile 
Brook" — the latter having been given some time before the 
year 1669. 



CHAPTER lY. 

166T— 167T {Continued). 

Joshua Pierce — History of the Early Town Meetings— 
The Ilslys — Voquillen — Trouble with Piscataway — 
John Smith — The Township Court Difficulty — Re- 
ward Offered for the Woodbridge Constable's Head. 

The "Town Book" is divided into two parts — the first con- 
taining grants and surveys, the second recording the pro- 
ceedings of the "Town Meetings." The first entry in the 
latter part is dated January ist, 1669, which sets forth the fact 
that Joshua Pierce, who had been Clerk during 1667, point- 
edly refused to give up the record of the surveys and Town 
Meetings for that year; in consequence of which the events 
of 1667 are nearly a blank in the history of the town. It 
seems that this Pierce had kept the writings alluded to on 
loose pieces of paper, and when Samuel Moore, his successor, 
entered upon his duties, he sought to place them on record in 
a substantial book. To this Pierce demurred, and the sus- 
picion as to the cause, entertained by posterity, is anything 
but flattering to the recreant Clerk ; for it is supposed that 
the production of the records would have revealed dishonest 
deeds and purposes to which he was an interested party. It 
is possible, however, that he was disappointed in not securing 
a re-election to the Clerkship, and refused to surrender the 
papers in order to avenge the slight. Whatever may have 
been the reason, no means were taken, of which we are 
aware, to obtain the missing links; and, while we regret the 
loss, we are struck with wonder at the forbearance of our 
fathers, and their lofty indifference to the comfort of their 
present historian in his researches. 

At the first Town Meeting (Jan. i, 1669) of which we have 
any account, Robert Dennis and Samuel Moore were chosen 



TOWN MEETINGS. 37 

"Burgases," or delegates to the Legislature, the latter was 
chosen Town Clerk, and John Smith was appointed Con- 
stable. It was ordered at this meeting that the Clerk should 
give notice of all subsequent meetings, which were to be 
opened at ten o'clock in the morning ; and a line of 2s. was 
imposed on all who absented themselves without excuse, and 
for leaving the room during sessions is. was exacted. The 
Clerk announced that the laws of the Province had been 
publicly read by him, as the law required. Samuel Moore 
was selected to " fix the brand marks upon both horses and 
cattle." 

The Town Meetings were ordered to be held at the house 
of John Smith, Constable, until further notice. This Smith 
is supposed to have lived on the highway which crossed 
Papiack Creek — a convenient point; for many of the early 
settlers lived on the upland along the Sound and could not 
reach the other side of the meadow without going over this 
road. It Avas built across the meadow at a place where the 
marsh was narrowest, and where, therefore, it would cost 
least to construct a causeway. 

The Town Meeting did not hold regular sessions at this 
time — the Clerk, with four others, being empowered to call 
the Freeholders together as occasion required. From Jan- 
uary ist until February ist no meeting was held, after which 
an interval of four months passed before the august assemblage 
visited John Smith's house on the west side of Papiack Creek. 
In the February meeting it was ordered that nobody should 
be allowed to cut down any timber for " pipe staves, 
clabords " [clap-boards], or shingles, unless they were 
designed for local use. Any violation of this order was 
punishable by a 405-. fine for each tree felled. 

On the ist of June it was "granted to Elisha II sly to be an 
inhabitant and to have accommodations equal Avith other 
inhabitants, he engaging to come and settle by Michaelmas 
next, except he be disappointed for want of an opportunity; 
if so, then to make use of the first opportunity that shall 
present." Elisha was a brother to John Ilsly, both of whom* 
according to Whitehead (who refers to Coffins History of 
Netvbt/ry), came from Newbury, in Massachusetts. They are 



38 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

the ancestors of the Inslecs of the present day* (many of 
whom are now living in Woodbridge), as well as of the Ilslys 
in different parts of the State. There is a tradition, which 
may or may not be true, that they came over in the old ship 
Caledonia^ the wreck of which, for many years, was seen on the 
shore at Perth Amboy, by, some who are yet living. It is 
said that, driven by persecution, the Ilslys, with other 
dissenters, were compelled to flee from their homes, which 
were either in England or in the north of Scotland, and were 
allowed by their enemies to depart only because they 
embarked on the unseaworthy Caledonia, which Vv'as confi- 
dently expected to founder at sea and engulf the sturdy 
heretics. But, lo ! they came safely into harbor! Before 
they landed, however, the Dutch captain proceeded to bind 
them over as servants to the planters in the vicinity, accord- 
ing to custom, until certain real or fancied debts in the old 
country had been discharged. A Mrs. Ilsly, filled with 
indignation, seized a bar of iron and, flourishing it over the 
captain's head, declared with emphasis that she and the rest 
had fled from tyranny at home to find quiet in the new land ; 
and that she would not submit to slavery right on the borders 
of freedom. The doughty captain was cowed by the deter- 
mination of the brave woman, and saved his head by landing 
his passengers without the indentures having been executed. 
At the same Town Meeting in which Elisha Ilsly was 
elected a Freeholder "Robert Voquilin " (alias Vocklin, alias 
Vanquillen, alias Liprary, alias La Prairie, etc.) was elected 
to the same dignity, and was allotted ten acres of upland on 
the hill south of the Papiack Creek, near its mouth. Tlie hill 
was known as " Voclin's Hill " thereafter. The special reason 
for this man having so many names does not appear. His 
parents must have made sad havoc with the dictionary when 
Robert was christened — although of what language, it is not 
so easy to tell; for while Vanquillen has a Dutch tincture, 
La Prairie savors strongly of France. It may be that the 
maternal parent had occasion to answer the elder Vanquill en, 

*For proof of this we refer to the Town Records, Liber B, page 117, where a dead for 
certain lands is sipned by "William Insly" and " Jno. Inslee"— the two men signing differ- 
ently, as is shown by the quotation marks. This paper is very old, being dated 1714; from 
which we infer that the name ''Inslee" is synonymous with the more ancient " Ilsly." 



TOWN MKKTINGS. 39 

when the question was "popped," in a mixed way — thus: 
" IcJi bill Dci/i, 7/ion hoviine c/icr." If so, we have a clue to the 
whole difficulty — one was Dutch, the other French. "■ 

This Voquillen (or whatever his name was) being Surveyor- 
General of the Province, was employed very much of his time 
in laying out the lands of tlie inhabitants. The hill on which 
his house stood is now the property of Mozart Pinner. 

The Town Meeting held July 6th, 1669, sent Lieutenant 
John Pike and Samuel Moore to talk to the Governor 
concerning a draught of a Charter sent to the Freeholders 
of the town. Some things in this first draught were regarded 
as objectionable and burdensome. Tiie same committee 
with the addition of Thomas Bloomfield, Sr., and Stephen 
Kent, Sr., was sent to tlie town of Piscataway to enquire 
what were the grievances of which those in that section 
complained. The Piscataway men had endeavored to destroy 
the boundary marks set up by the Surveyor-General on the 
Governor's warrant, between the two towns, and had so far 
succeeded as to have defaced the trees which had been marked 
—so that some confusion was likely to ensue if the matter 
was not speedily righted. On the 8th inst., two days after 
this committee was appointed, another meeting was held and 
it was reported by the committee that the Piscataway people 
were very much aggrieved by the boundary line being drawn 
so that Woodbridge was in possession of much territory 
which ought to belong to themselves. The Woodbridge 
people waxed war-like. The minute in the Town Book 
reads thus ; * ^- " it was passed by vote that that 
bounds that is now sett and laid out by the Surveyor General 
by vertue of the Governor's warrant between ye two Towns, 
viz. : the towns of Woodbridge and Pascattaway: we conclude 
doth c-f right belong to the freeholders of this town of Wood- 
bridge, and that right they will maintain by all such just and 
lawfull means as to their judgments may seem best, and this 
to be returned to the Inhabitants of Pascattaway as the 
answer of the freeholders of Woodbridge to their propositions 
made by their messengers." 



* Dr. Hatfield saya Vo<)uillen was a French sentleman from the city of Caen, and that ho 
came over with Gov. Oarten-t. (History of Elizabeth, p. 48.) He was called for some reason, 
" Dieur des Prairie" — Lord of the fields. Perhaps this had reference to his vocation, as he was 
a surveyor. There were twenty-two ways of spelling his name (.Hatfield, p. 97, note). 



40 AVOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

That sounds as though our fathers had their tempers 
roused. 

The next meeting was held on the i6th of August, and the 
Freeholders "thankfully accepted " the Charter of the Town. 
The Piscataway trouble came up again. The people over 
there had been pulling up the stakes and the bounds of the 
town were "being demolished." The old committee who 
went to see the Governor in regard to the Charter were 
commissioned to go again to complain of the Piscataway 
men "concerning the injury, abuse and wrong" sustained by 
the Freeholders of Woodbridge. 

On the 2oth of August the inhabitants were permitted "to 
joyn together 4, 5, 6, 8 or ten, more or less," to view " such 
parcels of land " as were convenient to that already owned by 
them, which, if the next Town Meeting approved, should be 
divided among the company by lot. 

On August 27th it was voted that Strawberry Hill should 
be patented as a " perpetual Sheep Common " for the inhab- 
itants on the west side of Papiack Creek. Lieut. John Pike, 
Matthew Bunn, and Samuel Moore were appointed to appor- 
tion "the Indian purchase so as to know what is due for each 
man to pay towards it." 

The next meeting was held September loth, at which John 
Smith, the Constable, was elected Moderator, or Chairman, 
" until the Inhabitants shall see cause to the contrary." 
Daniel Hendricks was permitted to become an inhabitant of 
the Piscataway plantation, being the first of four men whom 
the Woodbridge authorities had the privilege of settling 
there. 

September 22d a "good, serviceable, stout bridge" was 
ordered to be constructed over the Creek below the," Meeting- 
house Green." Thomas Wiatt was elected the second Wood- 
bridge man to settle in Piscataway, according to an agree- 
ment between the two towns. 

In order to make the settlement as compact as possible, 
it was ordered on the 9th of October that no large quantities 
of land should be taken up within a mile of the body of the 
town; "that is to say, a mile or thereabouts from the brook 
on the north side of the Meeting-house or Kirk Green, a mile 



TOWN MEETINGS. 41 

or thereabouts from Stephen Kent, Senr., his now dwelling 
house, and a mile from Strawberry Hill or the Sheep Com- 
mon," Where two or more of the companies, mentioned in 
the meeting of August 20th, had selected the same plots of 
land, or where land w^as selected which was insufficient in 
quantity for supplying a single company, it was ordered that 
lots should be cast by the claimants to solve the difficulty. 
Samuel Moore and John Smith were appointed to assist the 
Surveyor-General in laying out the land; and those employ- 
ing them were required " to give them mete satisfaction in 
seasonable help or otherways, that their Domestick afairs 
may not too much suffer at home by their owne absence." 
The Constable was directed to entertain the Surveyor- 
General with " meat, drink and lodging " at the charge of the 
town. 

"Spunk Hill," so called, we presume, because it required 
considerable spunk to climb it, was situated on the south side 
of the old Piscataway road; and, according to an entry in the 
records, was occupied by David Makany. 

At the following meeting, held October 19th, the Township 
Court was erected, Lieut. John Pike being chosen Judge and 
the senior John Bishop assistant. " Theophilus' house-lot " 
was granted to Samuel Bacon. What circumstance gave it 
this name we cannot tell. It may have been a dry joke at the 
expense of some would be Freeholder whose surname is 
forgotten. Under this date an order is recorded granting 
io.y. for every wolf killed — the animal's head to be taken to the 
Constable's house. And this reminds us what a good-natured 
man John Smith must have been ! Did the people wish to 
attend Town Meeting? They must go to John Smith's. 
Did they want the Surveyor-General to be entertained .' Let 
him go to John Smith's. Did they want a place to bring all 
the wolves' heads vinto? Take them to John Smith's house. 
Clever John Smith ! would that thy hospitality were as fre- 
quently met with as thy name ! 

On the 22d of October, the first Tuesday in every month 
was set apart for the Town Meeting day — the session to begin 
at ten o'olock in the morning and to close at four o'clock in 
the afternoon. Extra meetings were to be called Avhen 



42 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

necessary. Late-comers were to be fined six pence and 
absentees two shillings. 

In the November meeting (ist) a little breeze was occa- 
sioned by some one succeeding in pushing through a town 
order for a new election for officers of the Township Court. 
Joshua Bradley stoutly protested that the order was illegal — 
contending that these officers had already been elected and 
recorded. He was followed by eleven others who joined in 
the protest. The officers previously chosen were suffered to 
remain in the Court, but two additional dignitaries were 
elected, viz.: S. Kent, Sr., and S. Moore, Assistants — the latter 
being sworn in as Clerk of the Court. 

The two Woodbridge Deputies were instructed to consult 
with representatives from other towns in the Province (Nov. 
22) in order to petition the Governor for an explanation of 
the fact that no Legislature had recently been convened ; also 
to ask why all the laws of the last session had not been 
published. 

By a minute of the December meeting we perceive that 
Samuel Moore has tlie office of Constable added to liis other 
honors. But in January, 1670, Richard Worth is the happy (?) 
recipient of this position. In the same meeting, held on the 
4th, John Smith and Samuel Moore were elected Deputies to 
the General Assembly, and the latter was chosen Town Clerk 
and Moderator for the year. Three days after, a special 
meeting was held to "smooth over" the ruffled feelings of 
some of tlie citizens in regard to the Court elections. Con- 
siderable bitterness had been evoked in the meeting of 
November ist, when the new election had been under 
discussion, and the asperity had increased in the meantime. 
The following is the preamble to a document presented at this 
meeting: 

" Whereas tliere hath been and still are many considerable 
and uncomfortable dcsircances in this Towne, occationed by 
the various apprehentions of the Inhabitants and freeholders 
of the same, about the erecting of a Court of Judicature and 
the prosecution of the same: and the Inhabitants and free- 
holders being mett together to compose the same, and in 
order thereunto have by a joynt consent made clioice of Mr. 



TOWN MEETINGS. 43 

John Smith and Samuel Moore to consult together and 
to draw up some propositions for the considerations of the 
Towne, that in tlieir judgments may seem most Rationall for 
the uniteing of the freeholders and Inhabitants and for the 
composing of the Desireances now in being." 

Then follow seven propositions, the first of which reads 
thus : " That the Inhabitants and freeholders may with 
suteable purposes resolve and declare each to other that 
whatever hath been spoken and acted either in words or 
jestures by way of sturing up of strife or exassperating 
each other's spirits should be buried in oblivion, and so 
recorded." 

There is something noble in this language despite the 
homely phraseology. It breathes of Christian charity — the 
choicest of all virtues. 

The six other propositions retained the officers in the 
Court which were originally elected ; provided for an annual 
election of such officers ; for the choice of jurymen ; for fees 
and salaries and fines; and for four sessions a year. In case 
an extra session were called the plaintiff was to be required to 
pay the cost of it. It speaks well'for the spirit of the meeting 
that this paper was adopted inia>iiiiioiisly ; and it was ordered, 
very properly, to be recorded in the Town Book. And thus 
pleasantly ended the Township Court difficulty — the first 
which had disturbed the harmony of the people. 

At a meeting held February ist, 1670, some old grants were 
brought in and recorded. On the ist of March a committee 
Avas appointed to look for a mill-site; and a present of two 
hundred and fifty acres of upland and meadow was ordered to 
be given to the Governor, Philip Carteret — a township 
present. 

The meeting on April ist was an unimportant one, and 
that of May 13th likewise. It will be remarked that the town 
order designating the first Tuesday in each month as the 
regular Town-Meeting day was "more honored in the breach 
than in the observance." Very few meetings were held on 
this day, 

A communication was read in the June meeting from the 
Governor, in regard to military affairs — urging the aj^point- 



44 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

ment of a Captain, Lieutenant, and Ensign. Under this date 
is recorded the agreement of Jonathan Dunham with the 
Town to build a grist mill, concerning which we have spoken 
elsewhere. This Dunham was a man of great energy. When 
he determined upon an enterprise he pushed it forward to 
success with indomitable perseverance. So many of his 
relatives settled north of the Kirk Green that the neighbor- 
hood was known as Dunhanitoivn for many years. 

The meeting of July 5th refers to the procviring of a 
settled Ministry in the Town, to which, with kindred topics, 
we have devoted chapter VII. There is only one item 
recorded in the August meeting (2d) and that relates to a very 
serious affair if it was carried out as it is written. It reads in 
Fitz Randolph's copy as follows : " It passed by vote that 
there should be twenty shillings paid to any person that kills 
a wolf or wolves within the bounds of this corporation, the 
party bringing the head of the Constable^ We were horror- 
struck when we first read this murderous edict, but we have 
been convinced by subsequent investigation that the Con- 
stable's head was not at all required. Wlien the wolf was 
killed the head was to be brought "^ the Constable " — i. e. 
the head of the wolf. 

September 6th the town ordered the erection of fences 
around the corn-fields, and a committee of four men were 
directed to inspect the fences in the Township, who should 
decide whether damages were claimable for the destruction of 
the crop by hogs and cattle. If the fences of the plaintiff 
were in good condition the claim for indemniiy was to be 
granted; but if they were poorly constructed the verdict was 
to be, in effect : " Served him right ! " 

But we must bring this chapter to a close, promising to 
resume the history of the " Town Meetings " in the next. 



CHAPTER V. 

1667—1677 {Continued). 

Dissatisfaction with Tax — Cross Letter from the Gov- 
ernor — Wolf Pits — First Grand Jury in Woodbridge 
— The Honest Scotchman — Paying Fees in Pork — 
Robert Cuts — Dutch Rule — More Piscataway Trou- 
ble — The Pound — Stockade — Magazine — Importing 
Paupers — Legislature Meets in Woodbridge — The 
Laws it Passed — Second Session in Woodbridge — The 
Pikes. 

For some time previous to the events recorded in the pre- 
ceding chapter, Woodbridge had been agitated by certain of 
the settlers who aimed to set aside the claims of the Lords- 
proprietors on the ground that the purchase of the lands was 
made from the Indians themselves. It was virtually paying 
twice for them if they paid the tax levied by the English pro- 
prietors — so they argued. This view of the matter was pre- 
sented in such a plausible shape that many were inclined to 
adopt it. In order to crush this movement the Governor sent 
a message to Judge Pike, directing him to notify all parties con- 
cerned that those persons who did not conform to the terms of 
the Lords-proprietors should be denied the privileges of citi- 
zens of the town — not being permitted to vote in the town 
meetings or to hold office. Their lands were ordered to be 
confiscated. This order was issued October 25th, 1670, and 
was read November ist in the town meeting. At the same 
meeting Voquillen, the Surveyor-General, presented a crusty 
lettef from the Governor. Here it is : 

" To Mr. Robert Voquillen, alias Laprary — Sir : In answer 
to yours of the 3d Instant, I do not understand that the Town 
of Woodbridge hath any power to dispose of the Lords-pro- 
prietors' lands without their approbation, and contrary both to 



4.6 WOODRRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

their laws and to their own articles. When it is theirs accord- 
ing to their Charter they may do with it what they please ; till 
then it is at the Lords-proprietors' disposing. Therefore 
without more ceremony, if there be any so contentious and 
will not patent their land, lay it out to them that will, and let 
them go and look for land where they can get it. For Amboy, 
I wonder Mr. Pierce should be so unadvised as to speak any 
more concerning it. He knows it was reserved for the Lords 
in lieu of the seventh part, therefore [he] may set his heart at 
rest, lor tIiat\\Q shall never have; and if he will not patent 
that land that is allotted for him, you may lay it out amongst 
the rest to those that will — I was absent when several of your 
Town brought corn which Champpine did receive, but not 
upon the account of Rent due to the Lords. He hath kept an 
exact account of what he hath received from every particular 
man, which I will [be] accountable for, and will give no re- 
ceipt to any of them upon the account of rent but those that 
have patented their lands ; therefore their policy in that will 
fail them. — For the Piscataway men, their dividing their lands 
without order will signify nothing for I am about to patent 
their land to particular persons which will be glad to have it 
upon the same conditions t/uy might have had it, and to turn 
them out of the country; and then let them go to England 
and dispute it in law with the Lords-proprietors who hath ye 
greatest interest. I have not more at present but that I am. 
Sir, Your assured friend, 

4th of April, 1670. Philip Carteret." 

Voquillen presented in this meeting another paper — a war- 
rant from the Governor for laying out lands regardless of the 
interference of the disaffected settlers, who were to be ac- 
counted devoid of any right or title to any property in the 
Town. 

The meeting of November i6th was held to take measures 
for securing a Minister of the Gospel. That of December 6th 
voted ^8 for the Surveyor as payment for surveying the 
bounds of the Township and making a draft of the same. 

In the January meeting (3d), 167 1, the following officers of 
the Township Court were elected : 

President: John Pike, Sr.; Assistants: John Smith, John 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 47 

Bishop, Sr., John Martin, and Samuel Moore ; ■ Marshal : 
Samuel Hale ; Jurymen : Jonathan Dunham, T. Bloomfield, 
Sr., Abraham Tappen, Isaac Tappen, John Bloomfield, Oba- 
diah Ayers, John Adams, Samuel Dennis, Benj. Parkis, 
Thomas Auger, Ephraim Andrews, and John Smith, " Scotch- 
man." 

From an entry dated February yth we learn that two wolf- 
pits had been constructed in different parts of the town, and 
it was ordered that twenty acres of common land should be 
set apart for keeping the pits in repair. It will be seen from 
this and previous orders that these animals were very numerous 
around Woodbridge. Many methods were employed to de- 
stroy them, but it was a long time before the settlers were 
exempt from their destructive forages. These pits, we pre- 
sume, were deep excavations with perpendicular sides, the 
opening being covered with slender strips, upon which were 
scattered leaves so thickly as to close up every crevice and 
present the appearance of solid ground. Of course, the 
moment the weight of the unsuspecting wolf came upon it 
the frail fabric gave way, and the animal found himself a pris- 
oner at the mercy of the first hunter that came in that direc- 
tion. 

The next meeting, March 7th, reveals nothing important in 
town affairs. On the 4th of April " all Births, Burials, and 
Marriages " were ordered to be recorded thenceforth ; and it 
was voted that two Grand Jurymen .should annually be chosen 
" to take Notice of. Enquire into, and to make Due present- 
ment of all or any kind of Misdemeanor in this corporation, 
and to have an oath administered to them for that End." The 
two chosen for 1671 were Thos. Bloomfield, Sr., and Joho 
Martin. 

Two months after this, on the first Tuesday in June (6tli), 
the next town meeting assembled and appointed two "Way 
wardens " to attend to the mending of the country roads. An 
order was passed forbidaing the obstruction of the highways 
by the felling of timber; a grievance which must have been 
common, for tlie heavy fine of loi-. was exacted for every tree 
felled across the road. 

John Smith, Scotchman, was a man of such remarkable 



48 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

integrity of character that the July meeting (4th) directed 
that liis half bushel measure should be the standard by which 
all the freeholders should be governed in buying and selling ; 
*' and all those that shall sell or buy by any other measures, 
until law makes other provision, shall be accounted villianous 
to buy or sell by unjust measures." What a tribute to the 
Scotchman's honesty ! 

Nothing noteworthy occurred in the meetings of August 
ist and September 5th ; but in that held on the last day of the 
latter month a warrant from the Governor was read requir- 
ino- the immediate election of two Legislative Representatives. 
John Smith and Samuel Moore were chosen. 

The meeting of the 30th ot October made the preparations 
for the Indian expedition which are alluded to elsewhere. 
One thing, however, strikes us as having a ludicrous aspect. 
The ammunition for this war was ordered to be paid for "by 
the Constable in wheat or pork out of the Treasury." How 
many towns in the State have a pork-barrel for a Treasury ? 
And how many government contractors are there to-da}' who 
are content to be paid in spare-rib and pickled pigs' feet for 
the supplies they furnish 1 " O teiupora ! O mores ! " We 
almost imagine we see the solemn-kniking Constable fishing 
in the Treasury for his salary, and the great Justice of the 
Township Court carrying his greasy fees to his home at 
Strawberry Hill. These were IhcmWy /at oj/iees. 

On the 5th of December the Common Lands within the 
bounds of the township were ordered to be patented to the 
Freeholders of the town forever, according to an offer of the 
proprietors, in consideration of a yearly tax of ^^5, to be paid 
to the Governor.^ 

The regular January election occurred on the 2d, in the year 
1672, Thos. Bloomfield, Sr., being chosen Constable; Samuel 
Moore, President of the Court; John Smith and Robert 
Dennis, Deputies, etc. The Deputies were allowed 3^. 6/. per 
day, during the sessions of the Legislature, out of which they 
were expected to pay their expenses. 

On the 7th of May the Freeholders agreed to allow Robert 
Cuts to build a store-house near the landing, on the east side 
of Strawberry Hill (now known as Cutter's Dock), giving 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 49 

him a strip of land for the building 60x25 feet, and a dwelling 
house lot at some other place to be selected by himself. 

We are compelled to jump from the last date to July 2d, 
1674, as only one record of any Town Meeting occurs during 
this long interval of two years. It is probable that the 
possession of New York by the Dutch in 1673, ^.nd the 
demoralization attendant upon the change of government in 
the Province (for the conquerors at New York extended their 
dominion over all the surrounding country), affected Wood- 
bridge ; and Town Meetings were, for a time, abandoned. 
Besides, Samuel Moore was too loyal to the English Gov- 
ernment to exercise any office under the Dutch. Some 
conflict occurred between Moore and the government at New 
York which nearly resulted in his being imprisoned. It was 
in regard to a certain bail-bond held by him, as Marshal 
under Carteret,* which he wished to retain ; but John Ogden, 
the Sellout, virtually Governor of East Jersey at this time, 
was authorized to arrest him if he refused to deliver the 
document into his hands. There is some intimation that 
Moore carried the case into court. It is possible that the 
petition which he sent to New York in May, 1674, in which he 
sets forth that he is "aggrieved" by the "judgment" of the 
" Schout and magistrates of Woodbridge," may have reference 
to this case. If so, it is evident that the decision was unfav- 
orable to him. His petition was considered on the 26th, by 
the Dutch authorities,! but the matter was referred to the 
local judiciary. 

Some matters connected with the Dutch rule should be 
noted in this place. Three days after the country submitted 
to the Hollanders, the following appears on the records at 
New Orange, which was the name given to New York by the 
victors : 

" John Baker, Jacob Melyn, John Ogden, cum sociis. Dep- 
uties from the village of Elizabethtown, Niew-\v^orke, Wood- 
bridge and Piscatteway, situate in the province heretofore 
called New Yarsey, praying by petition that they may be 
allowed to send some Delegates from their said villages to 

* Itatfleld's Elizabeth, p. 1T6. t N. Y.'Col. Doc, vol. 2, p. 714. 

D 



50 \V(30DBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

treat with the Admirals and associate Council of war respect- 
ing the surrender of their towns under the obedience of their 
High Mightinesses, the Lords States of the United Nether- 
lands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange, and 
that no audience be granted to their late Governor, Capt^ 
John Berry, before and until the same be granted to the said 
Delegates, &c."*. Dated August 12th, 1673.! 

The next Tuesday morning was appointed for the delegates 
to make their appearance at the City Hall in New Orange. 
On the Friday ensuing, these towns were accorded all the 
privileges enjoyed by the Dutch towns in the Province — 
freedom of conscience and the undisturbed possession of their 
lands. 

On Saturday, the 19th, Deputies were present at the Coun- 
cil from Woodbridge, Piscataway, and other towns, who were 
ordered to call together the inhabitants of their respective 
towns for the nomination oi Schepens (or Magistrates) and the 
election of two delegates from each town, to meet together as 
a Board for nominating three persons for Schout and three for 
Secretary, from which a selection would be made. The nom- 
inations were presented in due time. John Ogden Avas 
chosen Schout,^ and Samuel Hopkins, Secretary, over the 
six towns of Woodbridge, Piscataway, Newark, .Elizabeth- 
town, Middletown, and Shrewsbury. 

Six names for Schepcns were sent to the Council of War at 
Fort William Hendrik from the inhabitants of Woodbridge, 
and three of them were selected on the 24th of August, and 
were sworn in September ist, 1673. The fortunate men were 
recorded as " Samuel Dennis, Obadiah Hoits and Stephen 
Kent."! The name of " Hoits " was the Dutch rendering of 
Haires, which was the [equally erroneous rendering by the 
English settlers at^Woodbridge of the good old name of 
Ayers. Obadiah Ayers was the man, doubtless, for no 
Obadiah Hoits lived in Woodbridge. 

Captains Knyf and Snell were appointed, September 6th, 
to visit the different towns in " Achter Coll," as this section 
was called, to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhab- 

* N. Y. Col. Doc, Vol. 2. p. 571. t Hatfield says "Sept 12"— a mistake. % Called a 
" Schoat " in F. R.'s copy of the Records. !| N. Y. Col. Doc, Vol. 2, p. 5S2. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 51 

itants. From their reports we are enabled to give the number 
of adult males in Woodbridge and Piscataway. In the 
former place there were fifty-five, of whom fifty-four were 
sworn on the 14th of September — one only being absent ; and 
in the latter place there were forty-three, all of whom took 
the oath on the same day.'^ 

The Dutch Government did not last long, but during its 
continuance it was benignant, and gave satisfaction, except 
to such as adhered to the Crown of England. Voquillen was 
among the latter, and was tried for sedition and banished. 

But we must return to the Woodbridge Town Meetings : 

We presume, from a brief minute, dated February 2d, 1674 
(see page 1S9, Town Book), that Satuuel Moore thought his 
services were worth a salary ; and as none had been paid to 
him he refused to spend his time in writing the proceedings. 
The town, in tlie minute alluded to, paid him ^5 for his past 
services, and twenty shillings for the year 1674, after which 
Mr. Moore resumed the record. 

In the meeting of July 2d, 1674, the Piscataway trouble 
came up again. Daniel Denton and John Gilman, in behalf 
of that town, had begun a suit against the Woodbridge 
settlers in order to obtain the upland and meadow in dispute 
between them. The boundary line which separated the one 
Township from the other had been drawn by Voquillen, so 
that the coveted territory was thrown in the corporation of 
Woodbridge. The Piscataway people regarded this as unjust, 
and bitter feeling grew up between the sister towns in 
consequence, manifesting itself in acts of petty spite — as '.ve 
have previously related. This suit was the culmination of 
the Piscataway wrath. The Court for the trial was to beheld 
at Elizabethtown, on the 7th of July, and this special Town 
Meeting was occupied in getting ready for it. CapL John 
Pike, Lieut. Samuel Moore, and Jonathan Dunham were 
appointed by the Magistrates (and approved by the Free- 
holders) to be the attorneys for defending the interests of 
Woodbridge. But the trial never came off. The Dutch had 
possession of the country when the suit was begun; but on 

* N. Y. Col. Documents, Vol. 2, p. 607, 



52 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

the very day the trial was to take place, July 7th, orders were 
received from the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam to 
surrender the forts and restore the country to England.* Of 
course, all legal processes were abandoned. Under English 
rule there was no hope for Piscataway, for Carteret had 
frowned upon its aspirations; but, under the Dutch, favor 
was expected. The Court was constituted by Deputies from 
all- the towns in the Province (except those interested in the 
case) and three men chosen by the Government, of whom 
one, John Lawrence, was made President.f In the New 
York Colonial Records the contested lands are mentioned as 
",Valleys in dispute," but no other description of them is 
given; and they remained in the possession of ihe Wood- 
bridge men. 

The following is the first entry in the proceedings of the 
October meeting (2d): 

" It was passed by vote that there should be a Suffrcient 
pound Built and Sett up near the Smith's Shop by the Last 
Day of Novr. next Ensuing the Date hereof, the persons to 
see it done are the Magistrates of the Towne to witt. Capt. 
John Pike Left. John Bisliop and Insigne Saml. Dennes." 
In regard to the location of this "pound " we are somewhat 
uncertain, but, as it was near a blacksmith shop, we presume it 
was situated in the neighborhood of John Taylor's residence, 
which was on the corner of the road opposite the late Israel 
Rowland's house; and we think so, principally, because John 
Taylor was a blacksmith. 

October 27th, the meeting learnedly discussed architecture ; 
and, as a result of their lucubrations, made preparations 
for erecting a house of worship thirty feet square — which 
shows what an eye for proportion our fathers had. 

November 5th, Capt. Pike and Ephraim Andrews were 
sent to Bergen to hear the publication of orders from the 
Lords-proprietors — the substance of them to be brought back 
to the town and verbally re-published to the settlers. 

Passing by, for the present, the three intermediate 
meetings, which chiefly relate to ecclesiastical matters, we 

* N. Y. Col. Doc, p. 728, vol. 2. t Ibid., pp. 722, 728, vol. 2. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 53 

come to the 13th of September, 1675. In the meeting held on 
this day the question regarding the fortification of the town 
was considered, and the result was the building of a stockade 
about the prison, as we have already stated. The construc- 
tion was to be under the supervision of the military officers, 
and the work was to begin the next day. The men were 
divided into four squads to act under four leaders, viz. : 
" Saml. Dennes, Saml. Hale, John lisle, and Thomas Blom- 
field, Junr." 

How jealous our fathers were of their rights may be seen 
in the appointment of Mr. Moore to address the Governor 
and Council with respect to the prerogative of nominating 
certain military officers, which, by the Charter, belonged to 
the Freeholders of Woodbridge, but had been usurped by the 
Governor. 

November 3d, 1675, it was ordered that timber on the 
common land w^hich was not removed within a month from 
the time of felling it might be used by any of the inhabitants, 
free of charge. 

On the 28th the younger Pike was elected Constable — an 
office which nobody seemed to want, for everybody tried to 
dodge it. All the Freeholders had a chance, therefore, to enjoy 
the honors attached to it, for somebody must be Constable. 

The meetings of January loth, 1676, and April 17th are in 
reference to the " Meeting house " affairs. On the 15th of 
May a call was made for the " powder and shot " which each 
inhabitant was to bring into the Town magazine for purposes 
of defense. It was also "voted that all unruly Horses that 
keeps about the Towne, and Doth use to get into mens Land 
over tolerable fences, that By the owners be Cloged or 
fettered." 

September 26, 1676, a committee was appointed "to take the 
Subscriptions which are Behind for the Governor's areers, 
according to Law." John Bishop was elected a "viewer and 
sealer of leather," and a mark was directed to be put upon all 
bundles of that material by the packer, which mark was a 
" W with an O in the midst." The Town seal for leather was 
W with a B adjoined. 

It was customary, in those days, for the inliabitants to 



54 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

entertain the pocu- at tlie houses where the latter happened to 
stop (as no almshouse had yet been provided), the expense of 
which was paid by the town. This system was much abused, 
if we may judge from an order issued by the Freeholders. 
All persons were prohibited from bringing in or causing to 
be brought in the settlement any individuals who were claim- 
ants of the public bounty — from which it appears that some 
of the citizens were in the habit of importing paupers and 
charging the town tor their maintenance. The order directed 
that upon complaint in such a case, the Constable was 
required to warn the parties so offending, and exact security 
for the payment of all charges by the offender. 

A lapse of nearly three years occurs between the meeting in 
which the above matters are detailed and the next recorded 
gathering of the Freeholders. The cause for this syncope we 
are unable to declare. It is possible that the Town Clerk 
found his time occupied with business of a more valuable 
character. ,It is more than likely that the small salary of 
20S., which had been appropriated for his services in 1674, was 
discontinued subsequently; and hence the record was suffered 
to take care of itself 

The General Assembly of the Province met in Woodbridge 
on the 5th of October, 1676, lasting four days. Doubtless our 
readers would like to know what laws were passed in this 
early Legislature. We therefore extract them from " Learn- 
ing and Spicer's " collection of early laws (see p. 119). The 
first enactment is in regard to the Governor's salary, and 
reads thus : 

''Be it enactcdhy this present Assembly that the Salary for 
the Governor, that is assessed to him for this present year 
shall be paid in good Merchantable Pease and Wheat, or if 
any Town will pay in Tobacco not less than a Hogshead, and 
if their Salary amounts to more, the Remainder to be paid as 
above said, in Wheat and Pease; every Town to be at the 
Charge of bringing in the said Payment to the Governor at 
Elizabeth-Town, without any Trouble or Charge to the 
Governor, at or before the first Day of December next 
ensuing the Date hereof. The Price of the aforesaid Species 
to be as followcth, Winter Wheat at five Shillings per Bushel. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 55- 

Summer Wheat at four Shillings and six Pence the Bushel. 
Pease at three Shillings and Six Pence per Bushel. Good 
merchantable Tobacco at three Pence per Pound. The 
Constable of each Town to collect this Pay; the said 
Constable appointing a Day for the Inhabitants of each Town 
to bring it in to him; and if any Person or Persons shall 
refuse or neglect the Payment hereof, he or they stall pay 
double the Value of his Salary, and the Constable shall have 
Power to lay distraint for the same, having a Warrant from a 
Justice of the Peace of the Town to which the said Constable 
belongeth." 

We presume the Governor must have shipped his wheat 
and peas to England for sale, for no stretch of the imagina- 
tion will allow us to suppose that he ate them all. 

It was further enacted that any one detected in an attempt 
to defraud the Governor ot his "Wheat and Pease " should 
forfeit double his rate. 

The next Act of the Legislature directed the Treasurer of 
the Province to provide a standard for both weights and 
measures, to be preserved for the use ol the Province. A law 
was also passed forbidding a Justice of the Peace to exercise 
any power as an Attorney under penalty of ten pounds fine 
for every default. Another, in regard to meat casks, reads as 
followeth: 

" Whereas there was an Act made April the Sth, 1676, 
touching the Gage of Meat Casks for Sale, that a Barrel 
should contain Thirty-two Gallons, but finding by Report of 
Coopers, that a Barrel containing Thirty-one or Thirty-one 
and a half Gallons, is merchantable, 

" Be it therefore enacted^ that all Barrels made for sale, shall 
contain Thiitj^-one Gallons, or between Thirty-one and 
Thirty-two Gallons, and such shall pass for merchantable." 

It was enacted in regard to the rate for the year that 
" Hog's fat " was to be excluded — from which we infer that 
the Government was not particularly fond of grease. Grand 
Jurymen were ordered to be sworn immediately after their 
election. Rates were to be collected by distraint as promptly 
as possible. Deputies, who came to tlie Assembly not 
properly qualified by the towns they represented, were to be 



56 WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

permitted to act with the rest; but the negligent constituents 
should be fined ;£io for every such default. A Thanksgiving 
Day is thus promulgated : 

*' Whereas there hath been signal Demonstration of God's 
Mercy and Favour towards us in this Colony, in the preserv- 
ing and continuing ovir Peace in the midst of Wars round 
about us, together with many other Mercies which we are 
sensible of, which call aloud for our Acknowledgment and 
Thanksgiving to the Lord, Wherefore be it enacted by 
this Assembly, that there be a Day of Publick Thanksgiving, 
set a Part throughout the whole Province, to give God the 
Glory and Praise thereof, and oblige us to live to his Praise, 
and in his fear always, which Day shall be the second 
Wednesday in November next ensuing." 

This good old custom of a November Thanksgiving Day 
has not yet grown obsolete and we sincerely hope that it 
never will. 

A preamble, setting forth that "this Province is yet in its 
Minority and Infancy, and that we may be as Provident as 
we can for the Ease and Benefit of the same," is succeeded by 
an act in which the Governor is allotted 4^. per day, during 
the Legislative Session, and 3^, each to the Councilmen and 
Deputies. Fifty pounds were levied upon the Province as 
the tax for the year. Inasmuch as, by the terms of the 
Concessions, no law passed by the Assembly could be effective 
for a longer period than one year, all the enactments of the 
previous year were re-affirmed. An act requiring these laws 
just passed to be read in the several towns within a month 
was decreed — and thus ended the session, the Assembly 
adjourning on the 8th inst. 

The next session was held partly in Woodbridge and partly 
in Elizabethtown — beginning October loth, 1677, at the 
former place and concluding on the 19th at the latter. 

Among the enactments we notice one to suppress /ji/ig, or 
the publishing of false reports " with an Intent to deceive 
People." The lawyers would grow fat and the Courts would 
be overburdened if such a law were'[enforced now-a-days. 
What our fathers, in their simplicity, thought a crime, has 
become a science. No man will endure to be called a //ar, 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 57 

but he will deceive and misrepresent his fellow and gain 
advantages by these means, in telling of which he is never 
tired and always boastful. He does not lie — he is sagacious. 
Ah, well ! our fathers might have learned something from us ! 

Rowdies were to be put in the stocks "for two whole hours 
without relief" for swearing, quarrelling, drinking liquor, 
" Singing any vain Songs or Tunes of the Same," on the 
Sabbath. Selling strong drink to the Indians was to be 
allowed if great caution should be observed. If danger or 
disturbance resulted from it the dispenser of the fire-water 
was liable to a fine of twenty shillings. None but keepers of 
"ordinaries "* were to sell it.f These men were required to 
charge eight pence only for a meal, and six pence a day for 
pasturing a horse. 

These were the laws passed by the two sessions of the 
General Assembly which were held in Woodbridge. It may 
be interesting to our readers to look a little further into the 
early laws. 

Our fathers, with all their good sense, were so tinctvired 
with the prejudices of the times that on the 9th of December, 
1675, a law was passed, requiring that " if any Person be 
found to be a Witch, either Male or Fe?nale, they shall be put 
to Death. "J To have a reputation as a witch was, therefore, 
not an enviable notoriety. 

In the General Assembly of 1694, which was held in Perth 
Amboy on the 2d of October, a law was enacted to relieve 
John Pike and his son John from the opprobrium of felony, 
with which they had been charged on the i6th of September, 
1 684.1 A jury had, at that time, convicted them of stealing, 
because the missing goods had been found on their premises. 
Subsequently it was proved that the Pikes were ignorant of 
the presence of the stolen goods in their house. The object 
of this act was to restore the Pikes to their former standing in 
Woodbridge and to punish any publication of the unfortunate 
affair which might injure the reputation of the family. But 
this was misconstrued, by some evil-minded persons, as an act 
of favor and pardon ; which, of course, would indicate that the 

* Taverns. t Learning & Spicer, p. 128. % Learning & Spicer, p. lOG. ! Ibid, p. 389. 



58 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

parties concerned were guilty. When tlie Legislature met 
at Perth Amboy, in February, 1698, after the elder Pike had 
died, it was enacted that the General Assembly intended by 
its former act " to publish and make known to the World, that 
the said Captain John Pike deceased, and his Son John Pike, 
were innocent, clear, and free of the said Felony in the said 
Act mentioned."* How hard it is to right the wrong, even 
when wrong is unconsciously done ! 

* Learning & Spicer, p. 875. 



OHAPTE*E Yl 

1686— 1Y50. 

The Quakers — Meetings at Amboy — First in Woodisridge 
— "G. F." — Building the Woodbridge Meeting-house 
— Quaker Books — Plainfield and Rahway Meetings, 
Etc. 

The history of the Quakers in New Jersey has never been 
written, notwithstanding it is a field which presents interest- 
ino- facts, throwing much light on the times of the settlement 
as viewed from the present. It is a well-known fact that the 
Friends were much more numerous in the State two hundred 
years ago, in proportion to the population, than they are now; 
hence their history is no insignificant part of the history of 
the State. A great many ot them settled in East Jersey ; and 
it is with these, especially those of them who came to Wood- 
bridge, that we have to do in this chapter. 

The first meeting in this section of which we have any 
account was held August 3d, 1686. The old book in 
which this record is made is a curiosity. It is bound, like 
the Woodbridge Town Book, in thick sheep-skin, and is 
written in the quaint chirography of the time The orthog- 
raphy is also unmistakably ancient, but remarkably legible. 
With this old book in our hands we seem to be en rapport with 
the men and events oi aid d king syne. Its record extends from 
1686 to 1750. 

The following is the entry under the first date : 

" Friends at Amboy agreed to have a Monthly Meeting 
their and that upon the second 4th day of each Month, and 
the first to begin the second 4th day of the 9th Month 1686." 

That is all. The next entry, made on the loth of Septem- 
ber, announces that the monthly meeting held at Amboy 



6o WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

"agreed" that "all friends" should bring " Minuts of ye 
Births & Burials since they first came into this place that they 
may be Recorded." 

The Monthly Meetings continued to be held for three years 
at Amboy, when a Monthly Meeting was begun at Wood- 
bridge. But we will make. a few extracts from the Amboy 
minutes, inasmuch the Woodbridge Quakers worshiped with 
those of that place until the period designated. 

On the Sth of October (1686) the Friends " agreed to pay' 
three pounds Mony of this province for the yearly Rent of the 
Meeting Room." "Likwayes finds it necessary that there be 
six formes for seats in the Meeting Room the Making of which 
John Laing toke into consideration." 

The carefulness of the Friends in providing for the needy 
among them is seen in the following : 

"At the Monthly Meeting held in Amboy the 13th of the 
2d Month 1687 John pearce being present the Meeting told 
him that he had done wrong in sending a paper to the people of 
the world (desiring to be suplyd with a cow he being poor) 
and not coming to the Monthly Meeting of friends to lay his 
necessities before them. And thus left him to considder & 
whether he would Redress his fault if he feels it in himself" 

On the nth of March of the same year it was directed that 
" John Reid or his wife take care that widow Mill do not want 
& give Report to the Meeting." Also two Friends were ap- 
pointed " to speak to widow Mitchel that shee do not talke of 
Peter Sonmans as it seemes shee doth, Rather wish hir to come 
to the Meeting and if yr be difference lay it before friends 
according to the order of truth." 

At the next meeting (April Sth) the " difference " alluded 
to was settled by arbitration. The " formes " were reported 
as having been paid for. 

Where the Meeting Room in Amboy was located is a matter 
of much uncertainty. The Friends themselves cannot tell. 
John Barclay's house may have been the place,* inasmuch as 



* "Mr. Barclay's residence in Amboy was probably the old brick building, still standing, in 
the rear of the house for many years occupied by the Golding family, on High street, near 
the Square."— Whitehead's Cont. to E. Jersey Hist., p. 4-3. 



THE QUAKERS. 6l 

le was a prominent member of the denomination. I judge 
;his to be the case from another fact, although it is by no 
iieans conclusive : that John Barclay was appointed to 
-eceive the contributions for the payment of the " six formes 
"or seats" — it being highly probable that the owner of the 
louse should be entrusted with the funds for its internal 
mprovement. 

"At the Monthly Meeting held in Amboy the 13th of the 
5th Month 1687 The friends appoynted to speak to Benjamine 
Clerk brought his answer, which was, that he would not 
:ome [to meeting] because Governor Lawry called him a 
divil (as he sayes) wherewith friends not being satisfied 
desires George Keith & John Barclay to speak to him 
igain." But Mr. Clerk persisted in his charge against the 
Governor, after which we find no further reference to the 
matter. 

On the 14th of October John Reid, who had hitherto kept 
;he book, resigned it in consequence of leaving the place; 
^oing to Monmouth County, doubtless, to settle on the tract 
jn the Hope River which was granted him for services in 
irawing maps for the proprietors (Whitehead's Contributions, 
3. 45). Benjamin Griffith was appointed to fill the vacancy. 
Whitehead mentions this man as arriving at Perth Amboy in 
[687, and subsequently, in 1696, becoming a Commissioner of 
;he Minor Court {Confrib., p. 44); and yet on the 17th of 
A-Ugust, 1689, a meeting is appointed at his house "in IVood- 
bridge." From these facts we infer that Griffith moved to 
Woodbridge somewhere about 1689. His penmanship is of 
an elaborate description, and easily read. 

The first Monthly Meeting held in Woodbridge occurred on 
the 17th day of August, 1689, as above stated, and is recorded 
thus: "At a Monthly meeting in Woodbridge it was agreed 
that the monthly meeting should be kept the third Fifth day 
in every month, at Benjamin Griffith's in Woodbridge. That 
Friends of the Ministry coming to Visit us, should be taken 
care of" 

The next entry in the record is written in a large, bold 
hand, as follows : " The above said Monthly Meeting fell 
from ye year 1689 to ye year 1704 by reason of George Keith's 



62 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Separation which was 15 years and Then was appointed to Be 
Kept att Woodbridge Fflrst by a preparative Meeting and abt 
2 years after Kept a Montlily Meeting." 

The cause of this long interval of fifteen years in the 
history of the Woodbridge Quakers is well known. George 
Keith,* a man eminent among the Friends in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey, began preaching and writing in favor of 
plainer garments, "of the abandonment of all forcible 
measures to uphold secular or worldly government, and the 
emancipation of negroes after a reasonable term of service." 
Keith had many followers, causing much bitterness in the 
hitherto peaceful denomination. The leader, however, was 
unequal to the task of crystallizing the elements he had 
disturbed. He became censorious and overbearing, in 
consequence of which his influence declined; and in 1694 the 
yearly meeting in London divested him of all authority and 
his career as a Quaker was ended. In 1702 he visited 
Shrewsbury as an Episcopalian missionary and created a 
profound sensation. 

On the 24th of August, 1704, at a quarterly meeting held in 
Shrewsbury, it was "agreed" that "for time to come it [the 
meeting] should be kept at Nathaniel Fitz Randolph's house 
in Woodbridge every first day of the week until Friends se 
kause to alter it." " It was then and there proposed by some 
friends in and about Woodbridge, to wit, John Kensy, 
Benjamin Griffith, William Sutton and John Laing whether 
it mio-ht not be konvenient to have a Preparative-meeting 
setled there to be held once a month ? the Question was 
considered by friends and they answered, that it was their 
sence that it might be Serviceable and agreed to it, and left 
the appointment of the day when it should be held, to the 
friends of Woodbridge meeting." 

The Woodbridge meetings, except tvvo,f continued from 
this time forward to be held at the house of Fitz Randolph 
until the Friends had completed their meeting house, in 
which the first session was held September 19th, 1713. We 
cannot tell where Fitz Randolph dwelt; hence we cannot 



i: 



: 



* "Whitehead's Contrib., p. 16. + These were held at John Kinsey's In Norember and De- 
cember, 1707. 



I 



THE QUAKERS. 63 

designate the locality where the Quakers met, for so many 
years, in harmonious council. Nor are we wiser in regard to 
the house of Benjamin Griffith where the first Quaker 
meeting in the village was convened. In 1707 we find the 
latter spoken of as an inhabitant of Amboy, from which we 
infer that he had returned to that place, although he attended 
the Woodbridge meetings with unabated interest. It may 
not be out of place to state that some well-informed people 
believe Nathaniel Fitz Randolph's residence to have occupied 
the site of the building which was the property of the late 
John Barron, near the depot on Green street. 

The Preparative Meeting, which the Shrewsbury Quarterly 
Meeting had authorized in Woodbridge at the discretion of 
the Quakers at the latter place, was instituted September 9th 
of the same year (1704) and appointed to be held every third 
Thursday in the month. 

We shall not, in the following account of successive events, 
make mention of every meeting held, but select such facts and 
sentiments as will prove most interesting to the reader. 

On the 2ist of October, 1704, Benjamin Griffith was 
re-elected clerk, and continued to serve in that position until 
his death, which occurred in April or May, 1709. December 
15th, 1704, a long article, full of good counsel, was read in the 
meeting. It was signed " G. F." Who " G. F." may have 
been, we can only conjecture. Possibly it was Grace Fitz 
Randolph, wife of Nathaniel. It may have been some 
Shrewsbury Friend of eminence writing an advisory letter 
occasionally to the East Jersey Quakers. The latter seems 
the more plausible supposition, from the fact that many of the 
things mentioned in the article referred to, pertain to matters 
of doctrine and discipline. Two letters, signed " G. F.," 
follow the lengthy document, the first of which reads thus: 
"Dear Friends Be faithful in ye service of God and mind 
ye Lords business, be diligent, and bring ye power of ye Lord 
over all those that have gainsaid it ; and all you that be 
faithful, go to visit them all that have been convinced, from 
house to house, that if possible you may not leave a hoofe in 
Egypt, and so every one go seek ye lost Sheep, and bring him 
home on your back to ye Fold, and there will be more joy of 
that one Sheep, than of the Ninety nine in the Fold." 



64 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

From the second letter we make the following extract : 
*' And Friends all take heed of sleeping, sotishness and 
dulness in Meetings for it is an illsavory thing to ^e one sit 
nodding in a Meeting, & so to loose ye sense of ye Lord & 
shamefac'dness both; and it grieveth ye upright and watchful, 
that wait upon ye Lord, to se such things, and for ye Priests 
people and others that come into your Meetings, to se you that 
come together to worshi]) God and wait upon him, to have 
fellowship in His Spirit, for you to sit nodding is a shame & 
unseemly thing." 

Tn this December meeting, in the record of which the fore- 
going matters are Avritten, a proposition was made for the 
purchase of a piece of ground for a meeting house and burial 
place. It was not regarded at that time with general favor. 
The proposition was renewed at the next meeting, held 
January 15th, 1705, with no better result, although considera- 
ble "discourse " ensued. 

An act having been passed by the Legislature " for the Ease 
and Benefit of the People call'd Quakers," the April meeting 
(21st), made out a certificate, to be used in case of necessity, 
which, under the provisions of the law, secured to the holder 
thereof exemption from military duty. 

In the meeting of May 19th we catch our first glimpse of 
the trouble among the Friends in regard to the giving and 
taking of certificates of membership. A small minority 
opposed the system as being tuo much conformed to the ways 
of the world ; the majority favored it because it prevented 
imposition and established the character of the member 
removing, above the reach of suspicion. Two letters were 
read from John Pearce of Elizabethtown, a man of very 
excitable temperament, in both of which he reproves the 
Woodbridge Quakers for using the certificates. 

The yearly meeting, held at Burlington in July, 1705, issued 
a letter to "all Quarterly & Monthly Meetings in East Jersey, 
West Jersey & Pennsylvania," which is given /// extenso in this 
old record. It is an ably written paper, occupying eleven 
large, closely-written pages. From this we learn that the 
Yearly Meeting was the chief authority among the Quakers, 
next to which ranked the Quarterly and then the Monthly 



THE QUAKERS. 65 

Meetings. Two representatives were chosen in the Wood- 
bridge Monthly Meeting four times a year to go to Shrews- 
bury, where the Quarterly Meeting was generally held. The 
Quarterly in turn sent at least four representatives to the 
Yearly Meeting, which was held at different places at the 
option of the Meeting itself. The Preparative Meeting is 
thus described: " — ye meeting called ye Preparative- 
meeting where they are established by ye monthly-meeting 
* * be held at ye breaking up of every weekly- 
meeting of worship next before ye monthly-meeting they 
belong to, unless ye monthly-meeting se cause to appoint 
another day." The Woodbridge meeting was Preparative 
from 1704 until October 19th, 1706, Avhen the yearly meeting 
established it as a monthly meeting. 

The following extract will give modern readers an idea of 
the strictness which was enjoined upon Friends in "ye olden 
time ": 

They are not considered good Quakers '-If any men or 
women friends young or old keep not themselves and children 
to plainness of apparrel as becomes our antient Christian 
profession, If any men weare long lapped sleeves, Coats folded 
on the sides. Superfluous Buttons, broad Ribbands about their 
Hats, or gaudy flower'd, or striped stuffs, or any sort of 
Perriwigs unless necessitated, & if any are necessitated, then 
that it be as near ye colour as may be to their own, & in 
other respects resembling as much as may be a sufficient 
natural head of hair, without the vain custom of being lono- 
behind, or mounting on the forehead. Also, if any women 
yt profess the Truth, wear or suffer their children to wear 
their Gowns not plain, or open at the breast with gawdy 
stomachers, needless rolls at the sleeves, or line their mantues 
or Bonnets with gawdy colours, or cut their hair & leave it 
out on ye brow, or dress their heads high, or to wear Hoods 
with long laps, or Pinners plaited or gathered on ye brow, or 
double hem'd or pinched, or wear long Scarfs open before, or 
have their Gowns pinn'd upon heaps, or plaits like the vain 
fashons of the world, or if any are found to wear or follow 
any other vain and needless fashon & dresses, for as it 
hurts their growths, so it also burthens the life in such as are 

E 



66 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

careful & faithful, it being not agreeable to that shamefaced- 
ness, plainness & modesty which people professing godli- 
ness with good works ought to be found in, as the holy 
Scriptures testify. That therefore friends be careful as much 
as may be not to buy or sell any striped or flowered stuffs 
and that all Taylers concern'd be advised not to make any 
gaudy or superfluous aparrel. 

"If there be any superfluous furniture in houses, as double- 
curtains and Valiants, great Fringes &c : that they be laid 
aside. 

" If any accustom themselves or children to call the week 
dayes and months the names given them by the heathen 
in honor of their Gods it being contrary to Scripture and our 
antient testimony. 

"If any accustom themselves or Children to speak the 
corrupt and unscriptural Language of you to a single person." 

On the i8th of August the building of a jNIeeting-house was 
again discussed, John Kinsy offering a plot of ground for the 
purpose. Kinsy 's offer was not accepted on account of the 
inconvenience of the locality in which his land lay. It was 
resolved, however, to select a suitable place. In September 
Nathaniel Fitz Randolph reported tliat no eligible spot had 
been heard of; but in October he stated that a man willing to 
sell a desirable piece of ground had been found. He was 
authorized to effect the purchase of it. On the 21st of 
January, 1706, he informed the Friends that the land, 
comprising half an acre, could be obtained for six pounds. 
The meeting approved the proceedings of Fitz Randolph, and 
he was directed to make the purchase in his own name. A 
subscription of eleven shillings and six pence was paid, which 
was swelled at subsequent meetings to the full amount 
required. William Sutton, being about to remove from 
Piscataway to Burlington, on the 15th of June donated a 
year-old steer "towards building [tlic] Meeting-house." Tjie 
animal was taken to be " wintered " for ds. by Thomas Sutton, 
son of William, by order of tlie Friends. At this date the 
land in question had been laid out by Nathaniel Fitz 
Randolph and John Allen ; and a deed was written by the 



THK QUAKERS. 67 

Clerk, Benjamin Griffith, by which the land was held in trust 
for the Quakers by Fitz Randolph and John Kinsy. John 
Allen, formerly minister of the Woodbridge Town Church, 
was the man from whom the plot was bought (Quaker 
Records, p. 36), the said Allen owning considerable property 
about where tlie Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. 
Many of our Woodbridge readers remember the Friends' 
burial place, recently occupied by the lecture-room of the 
Methodists ; but few, if any, are aware that a Quaker Meetino- 
House once stood there. Such is the fact, and the history of 
this ancient building, no trace of which is left, is that which 
we are now recounting. How soon, alas, pcrislies all the 
handiwork of man ! This house had cost much sacrifice and 
toil to complete it, as the records show; but wliat remains, 
except these yellow leaves, to tell us the struggles of the godly 
worshipers.? May they sleep tlie sleep of the just in their 
unknown graves, for the story of their toils is known to Qne 
who giveth rest to His beloved. 

The deed for the land for the Meeting-house and buryino-- 
ground is recorded in full, and the bounds are thus o-iven: 
"On the north by a highway, ou ye west by land now in the 
possession of Benjamin Donham, & on ye south & east by 
land of the said John Allen." It is dated "the fourteenth 
day of the second month," 1707. 

In the meeting of March 15th, 1707, the following minute 
occurs: "Agreed That the Land design'd for a Burying-placc 
be fenced with Posts & Rails, & John Lootbourrow & Joseph 
Fitz Randolph were desired to endeavour to git some body to 
doit." But this rail fence was not begun until March, 1708, 
a year after it was ordered ; so that we regard the order as 
quite necessary which was passed at the latter date, that Loof- 
bourrow and Fitz Randolph "take care to git it finished." 

In May, 1708, the first decided movement toward building 
the long-talked-of Meeting-house was made. On the 15th a 
subscription of ^^^34 was effected, to which £^-] 5^-. was added 
at the next meeting. That steer which William Sutton 
donated in June, 1706, was "wintered" at first for 6.;.; then, 
in 1707, for 6^-. 9^/.; and in 1708, after vainly trying to sell the 
animal, John Laing prevailed on Daniel Sutton to "winter" 



68 WOODBRIDGV: AND VICINITV. 

it for S.C. 6</., from which we infer that it was growing fat. and 
devoured more provender than in former years. 

On the iQih of March. 1709, it was "agreed to build a 
Meeting-house of Timber thirty foot long from out to out, 
twenty foot broad & twelve foot high between ye cell and 
plate." In May an agreement was made with a carpenter to 
make the " outside " for^/'^;. In August we find that " William 
Robinson is appointed to draw ye meeting hous timber to the 
place where ye hous is to stand upon. John Kinsy is ordered 
to provide for ve raising som victualls & drink it is left to his 
discresion how much & what.'" 

The meeting of October 15th was altogether devoted 10 the 
new building project and the fencing of the grave-yard, for 
the fence had been only partially built. James Clarkson 
offered to carry the posts and rails to the burying-ground on 
the following week ; but in the November meeting he re- 
ported that he could not find the posts and rails, so that he 
did not carry them according to proiiiise. Nathaniel Fit/. 
Randolph was ordered to get " Shingling nayles for ye 
meeting house & Clabords nayles [fuii/s] against time ye 
Carpenter wants them." In October an appeal had been 
made to the Shrewsbury Friends for financial aid, which was 
responded to — Edward Fitz Randolph, the Quaker financier 
of \Voodbridge, bringing from Shrewsbury, in December, 
J~4 iS<- 10//. In February, 17 10, William Robinson "is 
ordered to gett bords for ye meeting-house tiore vN: to speak to 
ve brik maker for briks for ye chimney." Robinson seems to 
have been a stirring man. At the next meeting he reported 
that he had spoken to the brick-man about the bricks and he 
said that "assoon as he hath done burning a kill att Elizabeth 
town he will burn Som hear ^ then we may have Som." In 
April, John Griffith, Nath. Fitz Randolph and John Kinsy 
were appointed to draw stones to the site; and in May they 
stated that they had "got som but not enough to make ye 
back of ye chimney." Three thousand bricks were ordered 
for the chimney in the following month, and the lime was to 
be thus obtained: "John Griffith & John Kinsy is ordered 
to gett wood for a lime Kill to burn lime for ye meeting house 
Sc to agree with John pike for his oyster shels; James 



THE QUAKERS. 69 

Clarkson to gett ye loggs for ye lime kill in readynes to 
draw ; 12 foot is concluded to be long enough for ye sd kill " 
[i. e. kiln]. 

On the 19th of August all work on the meeting-house was 
directed to be suspended until the following Spring. The 
materials, however, were to be collected with all possible 
dispatch. John Lufberry reported at the next meeting that 
Henry Napp had agreed to furnish three thousand bricks for 
^3, and that Napp would deliver them at Thomas Bloom- 
field's landing for 12s. more. This landing was probably 
on Bloomfield's nine-acre meadow on the west side of Papiack 
Creek, near the upland. A mason was engaged to " under- 
pin ye meeting house and build ye Chimney." John Allen 
was requested to keep an eye on the burying-ground to 
" take Care that no Creatures be turned In there," 

Nothing further was done until February 19th, 1711, when 
the work was pushed forward. In the April meeting the 
following bill was presented and ordered to be paid : " i 
weeks diett to ye bricklayers, & 4s. 3^. Jno: Pike for shells, & 
5^. due to Moses Rolph for two dayes work of his negro 
tending ye mason, & gd. for watching ye Kiln & 13//. for a 
bottle of Rum and 2 shillings for his horse and boy to draw 
water for ye bricklayer." A second subscription for the 
meeting-house was begun. November 17th, Abram Shotwell 
presented his bill for work on the building, amounting to 
^9; and John Vail presented his bill of ;;^4 loi-. The work 
went slowly but surely on. On the 15th of March, 171 2, this 
"minute" occurs: "This meeting appoints Jno. Griffith and 
Jno. Kinsey to gett a gate made to ye meeting house yard 
wth a lock and Key to It." In May more oyster shells for 
lime were ordered, "to plaister ye meeting house." In 
October "John Vail is ordered to Shingle abt ye meeting 
house Chimney and make latches and bolts for ye door and 
gett ye Chimney hearth fitt to make a fire In & wt other 
things are needfull to be done " — for all of which he was 
paid £1 2s. 

By the i6th of February, 17 13, the meeting-house was so 
nearly finished that the weekly meeting for worship (which 
had been held since March, 1709, at the house of John Kinsy 



70 WOODBRIDGK AND VICINITY. 

on every fifth day of the week) was ordered to be held in it 
thereafter until further notice. Eighty additional bushels of 
oyster shells for lime were procured in March, and seats were 
afterwards made for the new structure. We presume that 
those who attended the weekly meetings previous to the 
making of the seats brought chairs or benches with them. 
But at last the meeting-house was completed, and the Monthly 
Meeting held its first session in the building on the 19th 
of September, 1713, much to the satisfaction of all the Friends. 

As It drew on toward Winter the meeting "taking into 
their consideration ye usefuUness of a fire to be kept twice a 
week for ye service of this meeting therefore doth conclude to 
allow money out of ye monthly Collection to pay for three 
Cord of wood for that pur])ose During this winter weather." 

On the 19th of January, 1713, the meeting offered to 
William Sutton and his wife, an aged couple, the privilege of 
living up-stairs in the meeting-house. We presume that the 
offer was accepted. 

On the 2otli of November, 1714, after two months' consider- 
ation, it was ordered that a "stable" should be built to 
accommodate those coming to meeting with horses — to be 25 
feet in length, 16 feet in breadth and " 6 feet between sill and 
plate." It was to have a shingled roof — the sides and ends to 
be covered with boards. An agreement was accordingly 
made with John Vail to put up the building. 

Elizabeth Griffith was appointed in August, 17 16, " to look 
after the meeting house to sweep it, & to make fire in it when 
there might be occasion." In September a new fence was 
ordered for the burying-ground ; and "Abraham Shotwell 
Avas appointed to make a table with a draw & a lock to it for 
ye use of ys. meeting." In September, 1717, John Vail was 
directed to re-lay the meeting-house hearth. 

On August i6th, 17 18, Henry Brotherton became janitor of 
the meeting-house. In September, 17 19, 'John Vail was 
ordered to take down the Glass [windows] in the meeting 
house & alter it, and put up the shutters on ye fore side." 

From the record of June i6th, 1722, we find that the 
structure actually had a gallery, as well as comfortable rooms 
up-stairs. The stairs and part of the gallery were taken down 



THE QUAKERS. "J I 

in order to make space for a larger number of seats — an 
indication of prosperity and growth. Just two years after, 
June 2oth, 1724, John Vail was ordered to wainscot the 
building. In 1728 it was in part newly shingled. 

In the montlily meeting of September 20th, 1729, the follow- 
ing occurs: ''This meeting Recommends the oversight of the 
burying ground to Danil Shotwell and Desires that friends 
or such others as may have leave to bury there be careful for 
the future to Dig and Leigh the corps as near to each other as 
may be with conveniency." 

July 2ist, 1732, "Thomas Gach is Desired to git the glass 
windows of the meeting house mended." In February, 1736, 
Thomas Haddon is directed to repair the stable and the fence 
of the burial-ground. Twenty-five hundred cedar shingles 
were ordered for "covering the meeting house," on the 20th 
of the following November. "Shobill " Smith was appointed 
to make a new fence around the grave-yard on the 21st of 
July, 173S. No improvements are mentioned after this, until 
June 2ist, 1746, when Edward Fitz Randolph was "desired " 
to repair the meeting-house and " hors stable " ; and on the 
i6th of February, 1747, Jonathan Ilarncd was directed to adjust 
the fence. 

At the meeting of July 20th, 1750, a request was directed 
to be sent to the Quarterly Meeting at Shrewsbury asking 
that two Quarterly Meetings should be held during each year 
at Woodbridge. On the 21st of December an answer was 
received, in which the Quarterly Meeting agreed to hold ofic 
session annually among the Woodbridge Quakers. This 
intelligence was the signal for great preparations. _;^7o"were 
ordered to be raised by subscription for enlarging the little 
meeting-house that it might accommodate the large assem- 
blage of Friends. The work was to be done " with all con- 
veniant speed" — for the first meeting of the kind in 
Woodbridge was set down by the Shrewsbury Quakers for 
the " last second day of the 5th mo." 

Here the old record abruptly closes, and we shall be 
compelled to search another manuscript volume for the later 
facts in the history of the Woodbridge Quaker meetings- 
These events we shall reserve for another chapter; but, 



72 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

before closing this one, we will pick up a few threads which 
we dropped awhile ago that they might be Avoven in just here. 
As the reader will have observed, Shrewsbury was the 
lieadquarters of the East Jersey Quakers. The Friends were 
the first to establish a religious society in that ancient town, 
organizing as early as 1672, eight years after the settlement 
of the place. In the same year a meeting-house was in course 
ot construction,* and the Friends were favored with a visit 
from the celebrated George Fox in the Autumn. A monthly 
and a quarterly meeting were begun, which, as we have seen, 
were destined to a long and useful career. 

In the early times of which we have been writing, books 
were not numerous, and a good book was highly prized. The 
Woodbridge Quakers had a very small circulating library — 
the Friends borrowing the volumes of the Monthly meeting. 
The most popular book, if we may judge by the number of 
times it was called for, was entitled, " New England Judged." 
Besides this, there were " George Fox's Journal," " Robert 
Barclay's Apology," " The History of the Christian People 
called Quakers," by Wm. Sewall, of Holland (toward the 
publication of which, in English, the Woodbridge Friends 
subscribed in 1721); "Forced Maintenance," by Thomas 
Chalkley, and other works. 

These authors are alluded to by Whittier, the Quaker poet, 
in his Winter Idyl, "Snow-bound." Speaking of his mother, 
he says : 

" Then, baply, -with a look more grave 

And soberer tone, some tale she gave 

From painful Sewall's ancient lome, 

Beloved in every Quaker home, 

Of faith fire-winged by martyrdom, 

Or Chalkley's Journal, old and quaint, 

Gentlest of skippers, rare sea-saint ! 

Who, when the dreary calms prevailed, 

And water-butt and bread-cask failed, 

And cruel, hungry eyes pursued 

His portly presence, mad for food. 

With dark hints muttered under breatli 

Of casting lots for life or death, 

* Barber & Howe's Hist. CoU. of N. J., p. 359. 



THE QUAKERS. 73 

Offered, if Heaven wihheld supplies, 

To be himself the sacrifice. (?) 

Then suddenly, as if to save 

The good man from his living grave, 

A ripple on the water grew — 

A school of porpoise flashed in view. 

' Take, eat,' he said, ' and be content ; 

These fishes in my stead are sent 

By Ilim who gave the tangled ram 

To spare the child of Abraham.' " 

The book of Discipline, which was obtained in 1722, was 
ordered to be publicly read in the meetings three times a 
year. 

We find on page 89 the following extract from the Yearly 
Meeting's minutes for 1716*, which shows at once the hostility 
of the Quakers to the importation of Africans and their " con- 
servatism " on the slavery question in general ; 

" For the Quarterly Meeting at Shrewsberry — Chester 
meeting proposes their concern about the practise of buying 
negroes imported. % % % Urging that former 
minuits and orders are not sufficient to discourage their 
importation and therefore requests that no friends may buy 
any negro for the future. As to the proposal from Chester 
meeting about negroes, there being no more in it than was 
proposed to the last Yearly meeting this meeting cannot see 
any better conclusion than what was the judgment of the 
last — and therefore do confirm the same * * and 
in condesension to such friends as are streigthened in their 
minds against the holding them * * it is desired 
that friends generally do as much as may be avoid buying 
such negroes as shall be hereafter brought in, rather than 
offend any friends who are against it * '"' Yet this is 
only caution not censure." 

In the Woodbridge Monthly Meeting of June 17th, 1738, 
the following was read, which bears on the same question, and 
shows that the conscience of this influential people was not 
at rest : 

" Pursuant To a Request in the extracts of the yearly 

* Meeting held at Burlington, N. J. 



74 WOODURIDGE AND VICINITY. 

meeting minutes at Philadelphia conserning the Importation 
of negroes & buying them after they are Imported friends 
have Inquired into it & Do find that four or five years ago Soin 
have bin Imported by a friend and that it hath bin three or 
four years Since friends have bought of them that was Im- 
ported and not since to their Knowlidg." 

A weekly meeting was begun October 16th, 1725, at John 
Laing's, to accommodate the friends Avho dwelt about him that 
were unable to attend the services in the meeting-house on 
account of the distance. John Laing lived at or near Plain- 
field, and it was certainly a long distance for him to ride every 
"First day." On the 21st of September, 1728, the day of the 
Plainfield meeting was changed from the first to the fourth of 
the week in order not to affect the attendance of the Wood- 
bridge meeting, which was held on the first day;* and the 
residence of the Laings Avas still tlie place appointed for ser- 
vice, although John, the promoter of it, was dead. He be- 
queathed to the Friends a plot of ground on which to build a 
meeting-house; and on the 27th of March, 1731, the Wood- 
bridge monthly meeting gave permission for its construction, 
directing that it should not exceed in its dimensions 24 feet 
square and 14 feet "between joynts." It was completed 
and all accounts settled by the latter part of the year 1736. 
In 1744 a "hors stable " was built adjoining the new meeting- 
house, toward which, as w'ell as toward the building of the 
meeting-house itself, the Woodbridge Friends liberally sub- 
scribed. 

Another weekly meeting, productive of like good results, 
Avas permitted by the Woodbridge monthly meeting to be held 
at the house of Joseph Shotwell, in Rahway, on the i6th of 
October, 1742. It was designed to continue for three months, 
through the coldest weather only, "on ye first Dayesof the 
weak." In August (i8th), 1744, the Rahway Friends asked to 
hold their meetings twice a week (on first and fourth days) at 
Joseph ShotwcU's, from August to the middle of February, 
which was granted. In 1745 the same arrangement was 
made; but in May of the following year the meeting Avas 

* A inocting was likewise held in "Woodbridge on 6th days. 



THE QUAKERS. 75 

ordered to be held on first days at lialf-past three o'clock in 
tlie afternoon, from the middle of February to the middle of 
August; and at twelve o'clock from the middle of August to 
the middle ot February. A fourth-day meeting was also to be 
established, to continue from August to February. In 1747 
the erection of a meeting-house at Railway was agitated in the 
Woodbridge meetings ; but the subject was regarded unfa- 
vorably, and was submitted to the Quarterly Meeting at 
Shrewsbury. In the meantime, however, the Woodbridge 
Friends made a movement toward dropping the meetings at 
Joseph Shotwell's and the occasional meeting at John Shgt- 
well's — the latter service to be removed to Woodbridge. This 
met with considerable opposition both from Rahway and 
Plainfield members. In November it is recorded that 
" Friends in and about Woodbridge are oneasey and applies 
to the Quarterly meeting at Shrosbery." This uneasiness did 
not arise from purely selfish motives. The general good of 
the Society was doubtless a prominent cause of it. It was 
evident from the reports of the overseer (a person selected to 
give monthly statements of the condition of the Society) that 
the Woodbridge meetings for worship were slimly attended 
in comparison with those of Rahway and Plainfield; the 
building of a meeting-house at Rahway w^ould, therefore, 
greatly weaken and perhaps extinguish the organization at 
Woodbridge. But the opinion of the Shrewsbury Quarterly 
Meeting, which was received in December, settled the matter 
for a time; it being recommended to the Rahway Friends "to 
wave the building the meetinghouse untill they are more 
unanemous amongst themselves." It w^as agreed in February, 
1748, that the afternoon meetings should be discontinued in 
Rahway, but that the meetings on first and fourth days should 
be held yearly from the ist of September to the ist of 
February. And thus the matter stood for several years. 



CHAPTER YII. 

16(39—1700. 

The Town Meeting-house — The Kirk Green— The First 
Minister, Samuel Treat — Benjamin Salsbury — John 
Allen — The New Meeting-house — Archibald Riddell 
— Samuel Shepard — Objection to Taxation for Sup- 
porting THE Town Minister. 

A large proportion of those who settled in Woodbridge 
liaving- come from New England, it was but natural that they 
should introduce their customs in the place. One of these 
was the commingling of ecclesiastical matters with those of a 
political character. Hence in the old Town Book we find 
Land Grants, Court business, Calls to clergymen and Plans 
for building the Meeting-house, all curiously mingled. 

Ten acres of land, known for many years as the " Kirk 
Green," were set aside for the erection of a prospective meet- 
ing-house. Two hundred acres were, according to the terms 
of the Charter, to be devoted to the maintenance of the 
ministry. The management of these two plots of land was 
lodged in the hands of the Freeholders in Town Meeting 
assembled; and the retention or dismissal of the clergymen who 
might be called to officiate in Woodbridge was subject to the 
same authority. The " Kirk Green " was the spot upon which 
the first ecclesiastical structure in the township was built — the 
history of which, with kindred topics, we now propose to give. 

The Presbyterian Church and its adjoining burying-ground 
covers part of the "Green," as also does the Protestant 
Episcopal Church and its grounds. It is supposed that the 
" Green " extended along the brook on the north, across the 
highway, comprehending within its bounds the house of the 
late James Bloodgood. The meeting-house which was built 
on it stood at the north-east of the present Presbyterian 
Church — the south-west corner of the former impinging on 



THE TOWN MEETING-HOUSE. 77 

the north-east corner of the latter. This view is the only one 
which accords with the descriptions and measurements given 
in the records. 

It is supposed that the first religious services were held in a 
smallhouse, near or upon the Green, which was vised until 
tlie meeting-house was constructed. 

At an early day a movement was made to secure, if 
possible, the services of some clergyman. At a Town Meet- 
ing held June 8th, 1669, George Little and Samuel Moore 
were directed to go to Newark to interview "young Mr. 
Pierson " and " endeavour to get him to Be our Minister." So 
confident were the Freeholders that their offer would be 
accepted that an-angements were made for his reception — 
John Bishop, Sr., and Joshua Pierce being appointed to 
entertain the coining man with " meat, drink and lodgings.'"^' 
Two meetings were appointed, whether social or religious we 
cannot tell, one at Robert Dennis' residence on the east side 
of Papiack Creek and the other at the house of John Smith, 
the Constable, on the west. But all this preparation was of 
no avail, for Mr. Pierson did not come. Whitehead says that 
the advanced age of the elder Pierson, who was pastor of the 
New^ark congregation, made it necessary for the Freeholders 
of that towm to choose an assistant, and it was already pro- 
posed to secure the son for that position. The ensuing month 
found," young Mr. Pierson" duly installed in Newark — an 
event which was hastened, doubtless, by the visit of the 
Woodbridge committee. 

Not discouraged by this signal failure to obtain a minister, 
on the 5th of July of the next year it was resolved, by the 
Town Meeting, that they " would have a settled Ministry set 
up in this towaie." So John Pike and John Bishop were 
ordered to go to Elizabethtown to enquire whether it was 
likely that Mr. Peck (or Peek) could be prevailed upon to 
come to Woodbridge as its preacher. If Mr. Peck was 
immovable, the Committee were empowered to "Do the best 
of their Endeavoiu'S to procure Mr. Saml Treat," to serve at 

* Whitehead says that •' Enbert Dannis" was appointed to furnish t'le refreshment'*, etc., 
a mistake in consequence, probably, of the blu' reil condition of the o'd Town Book. At the 
time Whitehead wrote the <i)iiy by Fitz Randolph was not known to be iu existence. I^s dis- 
covery has thrown muth light on soma passages otherwise obscure. 



78 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

least six months. Mr. Peck was too much for the Committee, 
so they essayed to effect a treaty with Mr. Treat. After 
thinking over the proposition, the latter sent a letter in 
November to Capt, Pike, who, by virtue of his office as Justice, 
convened the Town Meeting " by warrant " on the i6th and 
laid the letter before the Freeholders. After debate, Samuel 
Treat Avas formally tendered twenty-one pounds sterling if he 
would come and preach for the six months ensuing. It is 
said that this offer was accepted, although no record of it is to 
be found. 

On the 7th of February, 1671, it was ordered that a house- 
lot and "other accomodations," equal to those of other 
inhabitants, should be reserved for the use of a minister. 
Permission was given to Jonathan Dunham in June to mow 
the grass on the parsonage meadow for four years, provided 
he would put up a good fence to keep the cattle out, and 
surrender it if a minister should chance to come — the town 
paying for the fence in the latter case. 

On the 5th of December a committee of eight was selected 
to meet at Robert Dennis' house on the 19th to devise Vvdiat 
should be done to obtain ministerial services. The meeting- 
occurred and the members thereof passed a resolution that 
"there should be a settled Ministry " — a resolution that must 
have struck them on account of its originality. This was 
reported to the Town Meeting of January 2d, 1672, and the 
resolution was approved, of course. The same acute com- 
mittee was directed to communicate with Mr. Treat, to secure 
his services permanently; but the effort was unsuccessful. 

On the 2d of October,* 1674, "the Towne Did also unani- 
musly agree with INIr. Benjamin Solsbury that he Should 
Serve in the place of a minister and preacli to us for the Space 
of three Months upon trial to See how the Inhabitants did 
[think] of him, and he of them; his time of Beginning Being 
the Lords Day before Micklemast and for his pains that three 
Months provided he Did preach twice Every Lords Day the 
Town Did Engage to pay him ten pounds in Currant pay of 
the contry at contry price, and if he Did continue the year 

* This is according to the Fitz Randolph copy. Whitehead 8a3-s -'July 2d, 1674," which is 
the date of the Town Meeting iinmcdiately preceding. 



THE TOWN ^[EETING-HOUSE. yO 

after the Same Rate provided they Did agree for his continu- 
ance after his three months was Expired." 

But they didn't like him, and were not long- in acquainting 
him with that fact. On the 27th, not a month from tlie time 
they had invited him, it was voted "that Mr. Benjamin 
Solsbury may Be pleased to take Notice that when his 
Quarter is out he is free from any Engagement from this 
Towne that he may Be at Liberty to Dispose of himself as he 
Shall See good, and Mr. Robert Dennes, Mr. John Bishop 
Senr. and Mr. Samuel Dennis to Deliver this to Mr. Solsburv 
as the mind of the Towne." Which all goes to prove that Mr. 
Salsbury. or Solsbury, was very unpopular. Notwithstand- 
ing t-lie rebuffs which attended all their attempts to establish 
religious services, the Freeholders, with the pluck of New 
England men, resolved to try again. In order that their 
chances for attaining their object might be improved, it was 
determined, on this very 2-jth of October, to build a meeting- 
house thirty feet square "and 15, 16 or 17 foot Between 
Joynts." A committee was appointed to make the usual 
agreement with a suitable number of carpenters. 

On the 30th of November it was directed that a room should 
be fitted up for the "comfortable entertainment" of the 
unknown minister who was confidently expected to make his 
appearance in the Spring — this room to be in the house of 
either Samuel Hale or Samuel Moore. It was then unani- 
mously agreed that a vote should be taken " by papers " (i. e. 
by ballot) to designate who should go " to the Northward " 
in search of a minister, and that upon whomsoever the choice 
should fall no objection should be made and no excuse should 
be taken. The unfortunate victim of this wild-goose chase 
was Samuel Dennis Money not being abundant, provision 
for the expenses of the said Dennis was made by ordering 
three thousand "pipe staves," to be made by Samuel Dennis, 
John Bloomfield, and John Pike, Jr., (each to make one 
thousand), the " Town Ingageing to alow Reasonable wages 
for Every Day they are making them." T):^^^^. pipe staves wtxc 
manufactured in large quantities in Woodbridge, being sold 
to coopers in this and adjoining towns for the making of 
pipes, or large barrels. The staves were to be procured with 



So WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

the greatest possible dispatch and taken to a convenient 
landing — " the Said Samuel Dennis to Dispose of them for the 
Best advantage he can, and at the End of his Journey to 
Return the overplus to the Town if any be of the product ot 
the Said Staves." But, although the staves were taken to the 
landing, they were not disposed of until one year afterward, 
when they were sold to Samuel Edsall " for twelve pounds of 
good powder." We presume from this that Samuel Dennis 
did not go "to the Northward; " or, if he did, that he was 
blown there, for we cannot see how twelve pounds of powder 
would afford any other means of transportation. At any rate, 
the whole project was a failure — no minister appeared. 

In May, 1675, the frame of the meeting-house was erected, 
although it was not thirty feet square as the town had ordered. 
We presume that the venturesome builder tried to give it a 
slightly better shape than tlie huge equilateral box which was 
first designed. 

On the 17th of the same montli, communication with 
Jeremiah Peck was authorized with a view to securing him 
as the Town Minister. This is supposed to be the same Mr. 
Peck who declined the position in 1670. If so, the people 
were a second time disappointed. In 1676 the town was 
assessed to defray the expense of the new meeting-house, 
which amount was to be obtained by distraint, if necessary. 
In April a letter was sent to Messrs. Richard Dole (Senior 
and Junior; living, probably, in Cambridge, Mass.*), asking 
them to procure a minister for the Woodbridge congregation, 
offering to meet all the expense incident to the effort. This 
also proved a doleful venture; but in January of the following 
year success seemed imminent. By some means the Free- 
holders got on the track of Ezekiel Fogg, and made him a 
brilliant offer. They told him they would give him fifty 
pounds' worth of wheat, peas, pork, Indian corn and beef if 
he would preach for them one year. Besides, he should be 
made a Freeholder. It is regarded as certain, since Mr. 
Fogg's name does not appear in the list of Freeholders, that 
he withstood all the allurements of "peas and pork." 

* See MS. Records of Woodbridge Deeds, p. 65, Hist. 80c. of N. J. 



THK TOWN MEETING-HOUSE. 8r 

A long pause followed this disheartening failure — indeed, 
our fathers seemed to be he-fogg ed ior a while, reminding one 
of the helpless condition of Oloffe, the Dreamer, when his 
brain was stupefied wnth tobacco smoke. On the 15th of July, 
1679, ihey made another effort to procure a pastor, sending to 
England for him. Capt. Andrew Bound, a man who is 
supposed to have been master of one of the vessels plying 
between England and the American Colonies, was commis- 
sioned to carry letters to two clergymen on the other side of 
the water, viz. : Dr. Ovin and Mr. Richard Baxter, in which 
letters the condition of the Woodbridge congregation was, no 
doubt, set forth in pathetic terms. Capt. Bound was author- 
ized to bring a man at the expense of the town, in case he was 
too poor to pay his passage hither ; and, if he had opportunity, 
the Captain himself was requested to treat for a minister, 
engaging him in behalf of the Woodbridge men at ^50 per 
year, with the use of the two hundred acres of parsonage land, 
and possibly other advantages. Whether in consequence of 
this or some subsequent arrangement we know not — but in 
September, t6So, John Allen became the preacher. It had 
been six years, nearly, since the Gospel had been proclaimed 
in the town — a serious matter in its effects on the moral 
character of its inhabitants. During the entire fifteen years of 
the existence of the settlement only nine months of relio-ious 
-ervices had been enjoyed. As might have been expected, the 
succeeding generation became demoralized, and the vicious 
of tlie preceding one became much more so. In 1682, when 
tlie population only comprised one hundred and twenty 
families,* the Township Court was appealed to for the 
suppression of scandalous disorders in the place. f Nor were 
these cfilects confined to that period. The growth of evil is 
much more rapid than its suppression. On the loth of June, 
1715. "John Lufborrow " and Grace Kinsey were directed to 
act as a sort of police around the Quaker Meeting-house 
during services on Sundays, to prevent interruptions in the 
w)rship [Quaker Records). 

(rood John Allen became very popular. On the i6th of 

'■■ Smith's N. J. Hist., p. 158. t Town Book, F. R.'s copy, p. 202. 



82 WOOnBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

November, 1680, voluntary subscriptions to his salary by all 
the inhabitants were agreed to, instead of the arbitrary assess- 
ment of the rate-makers. On the ist of January, 1681, the 
following complimentary language respecting the new min- 
ister appears in the records : " We the freeholders and inhab- 
itants of Woodbridge having sent to England to have an 
honest, able, godly minister to Come over to vs to preach the 
word of God sinserly and faithfully — and Mr. John Alin by 
the providence of God being for that End Come amongst vs» 
and we having had Sum Experience of his good Abilities : are 
willing and doe hereby make Choise of him to be our 
Minister and desire to put ourselfs under his ministry Accord- 
ing to the Rules of the gospel." 

In February it was voted in Town Meeting that if Mr. 
Allen would consent to remain in the place as its clergyman 
he should be made a Freeholder. He consented and was 
honored accordingly. On the 15th of November ensuing he 
was presented with a house-lot of ten acres. 

It will be remembered that in May, 1675, the frame of the 
Meeting-house had been erected. Well, so swiftly did the 
structure approach completion that on the 17th of October, 
168 1, it was ordered that it should be "plaistered all but the 
South Side, upon the Clabords." Why the south side should 
escape the " plaistering " does not appear. 

The voluntary subscription plan adoptcil in 1680 was 
discarded in the following year — it being ordered that the 
preacher's salary should be raised in the same manner as 
other taxes. John Allen must have had a good deal of 
patience, for up to September, 1682, the land designed for his 
use had not yet been laid out, and certain parties had occupied 
parts of it with the evident intention of eventually claiming 
it. The public school land was similarly neglected by the 
authorities. It was resolved to prosecute all persons who 
refused to cjuit these lands, and means were taken for 'their 
future security. 

The Town Meeting of June 23d, 1682, was almost altogether 
occupied ivith meeting-house matters. The building was far 
from being ilnished, and a determined effort was made t(y 
bring about such a desirable result as its completion would 



THE JOWN MKKTINC;-HOUSF.. 83 

be. It was ordered that it should be " Latlicd and Daubed 
Substantially Round within as hii^li as the plates and Beams." 
In those days "daubing" was plastering, and "plaistering " 
was painting — at least, so we infer from the use of the terms. 
I'^or it is improbable that the inside would be plastered twice 
within a year, which w^ould be the case if daidniig and />/a/sfer- 
ing both mean plastering, for in October of the preceding year 
it Avas " plaistered." Besides, it is unlikely that tlie plaster 
for a wall would be put upon the clap-boards — yet in that 
October it was " plaistered upon the clabords," on "all but 
the South Side." The south side being the front, probably, 
it was adorned, perhaps, with a brighter paint or wash, as the 
custom is, to this day, in some parts of the State. Capt. John 
Bishop, Matthew Moore, John Ilsly, and Joshua Bradley were 
appointed to oversee the " Daubing [of] the Meeting House." 
The entire male population was called out lo participate in 
the da//l>, "with such tools as [were thought to be] Suteable." 
Twu) doors were yet to be made, for whicii nails were ordered; 
and the third door, which w^as hanging without a lock, was to 
be supplied with one immediately. Four thousand lath nails 
were also bought. And thus all things presaged a speedy 
termination ot the struggle wnth the half-finished meeting- 
house. 

On the 26th of September, 1682, the towmsrnen petitioned 
the Governor and Council to "Induct" John Allen formally, 
as their minister, into his holy office. Capt. Pike bore this 
paper to the august assemblage, and was undoubtedly suc- 
cessful. Some time previous to January 1st, 1686, Mr. Allen's 
connection as pastor to the Woodbridge congregation was 
severed. The cause can (jnly be conjectured : but it is 
probable that the health of the clergyman had sulfered some- 
what, for he did not go elsew^here to preach. He lived iu 
Woodbridge until the day of his death, which was January 
19th, 1 7 15. He was married three times. The name of his 
last wife was Deliverance Potter; the names of the others are 
unknown. It is not certain that he came from England to 
this settlement, but it is probable; for Capt. Bound had an 
account against the town which was not settled until a year 
or more after Mr. Allen's coming;* and as the only agree- 

* frt'e Town Book, F. Uaiid.'s cojiy, pa^'e 210. 



84 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINrrY. 

nient with him on the part of the town w^as in regard to the 
transportation of a minister from England in 1679, we pre- 
sume that Mr. Allen was that minister, and that the town's 
debt to the Captain Avas incurred in the manner indicated. 

January ist, 1686, a committee was appointed to communi- 
cate with Mr. Archibald Riddell (or " Ruddell ") "to Encour- 
age him concerning his Settleing in tliis towne," as its 
preacher. Mr. Riddell accepted the call and in the same year 
began his ministrations. On the iitli of October he was 
granted eight acres of land, "adjoyning to the Meetinghouse 
Green fronting upon the Highway that Runs west into the 
woods from the Meeting House Green." He was also 
admitted as a Freeliolder and allowed one hundred and 
twenty acres of upland for a farm and ten more "for plant- 
ing" — all of which he enjoyed free of tax; but his heirs or 
assigns were required to pay a half-penny per acre annually. 
His ten acres "for planting" were laid out on the last day of 
December, at a place called Bald Hill (a name given, perhaps, 
by some wag in town to preserve in memory the Christian 
name of Mr. Riddell — Arc\\\-l>al(f). The eight acres granted 
to liim were returned to the town by the clergyman in Feb- 
ruary, 1687, together with the frame of a liouse which he had 
begun to build upon it. This was ordered to be finished, and 
Mr. Riddell to be indemnified for any expense he might have 
incurred by it tlius far. The building was rented, as soon a.^ 
it was completed, by the year only, and brought a small 
revenue into the town treasury.'"" 

It is supposed that Mr. Riddell ministered to the Wood- 
bridge congregation until he left the country in 1689. He was 
the brother of Sir John Riddell and seems to have been a 
preacher of considerable power. f Before he came from Scot- 
land to New Jersey he was imprisoned at Edinburgh, ostensi- 
bly for preacliing in the open air contrary to law, but really 
because he was connected " with the rising of Bothwell in 
1679." Being finally released by intercessions in his behalf, 
he emigrated hither; but, in the unhappy voyage which 
befell the Henry and Francis, he lost his wife. He came 



• r«vfn B.)ok, 227. I See WliitOica I's Contr. K. .1. Hist., p.-i^e 307. 



THF. TOWN MEETING-HOUSE. 85 

to Woodbridge after landing, and settled, becoming the town 
minister. Others, who arrived in the same vessel, may have 
settled here, likewise; for many of them, it is supposed, 
visited the place.* As we have stated, in 1689 he left the 
country — designing to return to his native land, now that 
political changes had made his residence possible in Scotland. 
Setting sail in June with his son, who was but ten years of 
age, a French war vessel captured the ship, on the 2d of 
August, just off the coast of England, and the passengers were 
imprisoned in Rochefort. Mr. Riddell and his son found 
their way back to the hills and dales of Scotland after a bitter 
experience of two years in the prisons of France. In 1700 he 
disposed ot his Woodbridge land to Thomas Gordon. In the 
deed he is called " Minister of the Gospel at Kirkaldie, in the 
county of Fife." And this is our last glimpse of this heroic 
man who once preached to our fithcrs. After such an event- 
ful life, so full of shadow and storm, wc cannot but hope that, 
when its evening fell, some golden light from heaven broke 
over his path, as the sun bursts through a rifted cloud at the 
close of a cheerless day. 

In Scott's Lay of the List Minstrel Sir William of Dcloraiuc 
makes a rapid ride from Branksome Hall to Melrose. A 
stanza in Canto First reads thus: 

" Unchallensed, thence passed Deloraine 
To ancient RUldeW s fair domain. 

Where Aill from mountains freed 
Down from the lakes did raving come ; 
Each wave was crested with tawny foam, 

Like the mane of a chestnut steed." 

The note referring to this verse is as follows : "The Rid- 
dells took their name from Ryedalc. Tradition carries them 
back to 727 and 936, the dates of some stone coffins found 
there." 

But to return to the Woodbridge meeting-house : On the 
last day of May, 1686, the town decreed that the galleries on 
the east and west sides of the building "should Be forth with 

♦Whitehead, p. .".2. Tho " Henry ami Francis " brought abotit 100 prisoners .to New 
•'ersey, who were subject to intense sutt'ering on account of the bad food eaten on the voyage. 
Several died before tho leaky ship came to land. Th« captain is said to hav« been very cruel to 
th« )>ani8hed company. Kiddell and others had embarked voluntarily. 



86 . WOODRRIDGE AND VICINMTV. 

made usefull and Serviceable, to Be floured [i. e. floored] and 
Seated, and the Stairs made." December loth, 1692, is the 
next date at which we find the meeting-house mentioned. It 
needed shingling; and two men were to shingle one side and 
two others the opposite side of the roof, the town furnishing 
the nails and allowing the citizens who did the work to deduct 
the value of it from their annual tax. The shingles were to 
be made of chestnut — " Five Inches in Breadth & at Least half 
an Inch in thickness," to be furnished at the rate of 6s. per 
liundred. Ezekiel Bloomfield and Matthew Moore, Jr., were 
appointed to cover one side of the roof, and John Pike and 
Thomas Pike were selected to repair the other. 

No mention is made of any minister being souglit, after Mr. 
Riddell left in 1689, until November ist, 1692, when a commit- 
tee of eight were directed to write "to some Sutable Man lor 
the End aforesaid." As an evidence ot a perverted appetite we 
notice that it was "Passed by Vote that Mr. Powel Shall 
have and enjoy the grass that shall grow on the parsonage 
Meadow the Ensuing year 1693." 

On the 8th of February, 1693, Epliraim Andjews promised 
to go to New England, as a messenger of the town, in search 
of a minister on condition that he was furnislied " with money 
Sufficient for his Journey and a Hors to Ride on." He was 
directed to " Do his Beast Endeavour to procure a Sutable 
Man." Ten pounds were accordingly raised to meet the 
expense. This adventure was as fruitless as Samuel Dennis' 
proposed trip "to the Northward " in 1674. Over two years 
elapsed before a preacher was settled in the town. On the 
ist of October, 1695, Mr. Samuel Shepard was voted ^50 per 
annum, or its equivalent in the "current pay of the country," 
which, as our readers arc aware, was pork, peas, wheat, etc. 
This was to be raised by direct tax upon all the townsmen. 
Samuel Dennis and Jonathan Bishop were appointed to 
receive it. 

On the ground of conscientious scruples William Webster, 
a freeman of the town, objected to the ministerial assessment. 
Whereupon Capt. John Bishop assumed his share of the 
annual rate during his (Bishop's) life-time. A " memoran- 
dom " in the Town Book sets this forth as follows: " William 



THK TOWN MKF.TINC-IIOUSF,. 87 

Webster pretending- that it was Contrary to his Conscience to 
pay anything toward tlie Maintenance of a Minister, Capt. 
John Bisliop hath Engaged in open Town Meeting to free the 
Said Webster from the Said Charge and to pay the Said 
websters part so long as the Said Bishop Shall Live." This 
was the first decided stand against the tax for the support of 
tlic town minister of which we have an account. The matter 
had, doubtless, been the subject of much private discussion, 
and was destined to eventuate in the complete separation of 
civil and ecclesiastical affairs, the town relinquishing the 
latter, remitting them to a regularly organized church. 

In May (i9tl)), 1696, Mr. Shepard for some reason having 
determined to go to New England (whence he came to 
Woodbridge. ])robably, the year before) the Town Meeting 
voted him the building known as the "Town House'' on 
condition that lie should return. In addition to this house, 
ihirtv acres of land were offered to him on the same condition. 
As there was only one suitable building owned by the 
corporation, we presume that it was the one promised to Mr. 
Shepard. This house, it will be remembered, was built by 
Mr. Riddell in part and completed by the town. So anxious 
Avere the Freeholders that Mr. Shepard should return that a 
delegation of the most distinguished citizens was commis- 
sioned, on the 28tli of July, to wait upon him "to Signify the 
Towns mind" that ''they did unanimusly Desire that [he] 
Should Return." 

We note that on April 19th, 1697, it was ordered that John 
Pike should "■ Disburst the Money Raised for finishing the 
galleries" of the meeting-house. July i5tli, 1698, other 
improvements were directed to be made. The walls of the 
building were to be whitewashed by John Pike, member of 
the Assembly and Clerk of the corporation ! Just think of 
that, ye modern men of eminence! Ezekiel Bloomfield was to 
build a " New Pulpit forth with." Ezekiel was an ex-Assem- 
blyman, having held that office in 1687 ; and, 

" Aliis, how fortune varies ! " 
in November, 1693, he became Pound Keeper, receiving, "for 
each Beast /6?.v;/^/<?(/," four pence. Men in those days thought 
it was no disgrace either to gc to the Legislature, impound 



SS WOODBRIDGF. AND VICINITY. 

vagrant animals, or to whitewash. Would that all the white- 
washing of to-day were as honest and healthy as the coat of it 
John Pike bestowed on the meeting-house walls I 

Whether Mr. Shepard visited New England or not is a 
question; but if he did, he returned to Woodbridge and 
probably lived in the " Town House," which had been granted 
to him, after the year 1697. During that year we infer, from 
two or three facts, that he boarded with Ephraim Andrews. 
November i8th the latter was to be paid by the town a certain 
amount to "Defray the Charge of Mr. Shepards D/ef." This 
Avas re-considered at the same meeting, and it was voted that 
his salary should be increased from ^50 to ^60 and Mr. 
Shepard himself to pay for the past year's "■diet.'" His salary 
"for the time to Come " was fixed at the same figure — £^00 
per annum. But to raise this amount was a matter of some 
trouble. The Quakers strongly opposed an indiscriminate 
assessment as unjust. They were contributing for the support 
of their own Society and considered that it was not equitable 
to be compelled to pay the tax for the support of a ministry 
which they did not and could not enjoy. On the 5th of 
February, 1700, we find that a committee, consisting of Sam- 
uel Dennis, John Pike, and Thomas Pike, " were by Vote 
made Choice of: to Discours with our Desenting Neighbours 
the Quakers; and the town Do hereby Impower the persons 
abovesaid (if they think fitt) to make a final End of the Dif- 
ference that hath Been Betwixt us and them Concerning their 
paying to the publick Ministry in this Town," In 1699 the 
salary had been obtained by public tax, but in 1700 it was 
ordered to be raised by subscription — a decided victory for 
the anti-tax men. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

IG 78— 1683. 

G®VERNOR Andross — Bridge OVER THE Papiack: — Low 
Treasury — Township Court Regulations — Deputv- 
governor rudyard — a woodbridge citizen ix dis- 
GRACE. 

There is a hiatus in the history of Town Meetings, extend- 
ing from September 26th, 1676, to June 24th, 1679. A brief 
minute is written under the latter date and pertains to noth- 
ing of sufficient importance for us to chronicle. The record 
of July 15th is one concerning meeting-house affairs. On the 
2d of December a rule was laid down for levying the township 
tax for the year, viz. : by the shares of upland appropriated 
by each man, accounting sixty acres of upland to a share. 

These three meetings are all that are recorded for 1679. 
One in 1677 (March 9th), written out of its appropriate place,* 
makes provision for the settlement of the Lords' Quit Rents. 

In 1680 occurred tiiat "little misunderstanding " between 
Gov. Andross of New York and Gov. Carteret of East Jersey. 
Andross pretended that his authority extended over the 
territory adjoining New York, and informed Carteret that he 
intended to build a fort at Sandy Hook to enforce his claim. 
This was on the iSth of March. On the 20th Carteret wrote 
back that he would resist any fort-building or other aggress- 
ive acts. But Andross was determined to accomplish his 
purpose. On the 7th of April he visited his rival, accom- 
panied by several of his officers and principal men, intending 
to intimidate him. But Carteret had about one hundred and 
fifty soldiers drawn up to receive his hostile guest. He was 
entertained with as much show of hospitality as could be 
expected. The matters of dispute were debated, but with no 

• Town Book, F. R.'b, p. 195. 



90 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

S^ood result. Andross embarked, after dinner, in his sloop and 
set sail for New York. Notwithstanding that Carteret had 
expressed his willingness to abide by the decision of the 
English Government in respect to the impertinent claims of 
Andross, the latter proceeded to establish his right to govern 
East Jersey by violence. On the last day of April a party of 
soldiers landed at Elizabethtown, and, at dead of night, 
marched to the Carteret mansion. A servant of the Governor 
having been bribed, led them without dela}- to his master's 
room. Carteret was dragged from his bed, brutally kicked, 
drawn through a window, and hurried down to the shore 
Avithout being permitted to clothe himself. Hastily throwing 
him into a canoe, the kidnappers paddled off with their 
in'isoner. Arriving in New York, he was supplied with 
clothing and immediately taken to the fort and imprisoned. 
Here he became very sick. Subsequently, in speaking of the 
outrage, he says he fears he will " hardly be a perfect man 
again."* His trial did not occur until the 27rh of May, and 
resulted, on the following day, in his acquittal. Although 
pronounced not guilty by the jury, Andross would not let him 
go until he gave security that he would not resume his office 
and authority. With great pomp Carteret was escorted to 
Elizabethtown by a distinguished retinue of New Y'ork ladies 
and gentlemen. The wily Andross on the 2d of June (before 
Carteret was brought home) addressed an Assembly at Eliza- 
bethtown, endeavoring to persuade the Deputies that his 
cause was just. But it was of no avail. They would not 
acknowledge his authority. They submitted to the existing 
state of things until they were endorsed or repudiated by the 
Proprietors in England. Of course, the decision was adverse 
to Andross, and Carteret resumed his government in March, 
16S1. 

In the Town Meeting of the 24th of July, 1680, a paper was 
laid before the Woodbridge Freeholders, signed " Sir Edmund 
Andross, Knt., Governor General, &c.," requiring them to 
send to New York three names of " fit persons " for holding- 
Monthly Courts "and Determining matters Not Exceeding 

* I.eamiMij & Siiicer, p. 678. 



TOWN MF.KTINOS — RESLfMiiD. 9I 

forty Shillings." The fussy Governor was reminded that the 
Charter of the Township permitted the people to settle this 
matter themselves; that it lodged the ordination of the Court 
and the choice of its officers and justices in the hands of the 
owners of the soil ; and therefore they saw no reason for 
complying with his command. This seems to have irritated 
the Sir Knight, for on the 14th of August a more peremptory 
summons was sent to the refractory Freeholders. Whether 
the doughty Governor frightened our fathers, or whether they 
assumed, from policy, a loyalty they did not feel, does not 
appear; but it is certain that they interposed no further 
objection, and, on the 31st of August, sent in the following 
names of Justices for the Court : Samuel Moore, Ephraim 
Andrews, John lisle}-, and John Bishop, Jr. 

The meeting of September 17th appointing two "rate- 
gathers," Samuel Moore "Ingaged to find House Room to 
Receive it." i. e. the rate; for be it known that the taxes were 
not in the shape of jingling coin or rustling bank notes, but 
in quarters of beef, bushels of grain, or barrels of pork. Mr. 
Moore's house must have presented a spectacle, if the tax was 
promptly paid, at which Mrs. Moore has stood aghast. Load 
after load of sirloin, veal, sausage, liver, wheat, corn, etc., 
strewed upon the floor! How many modern wives would 
have endured such an invasion of domestic comfort .' 

Samuel Dennis and Daniel Robins were appointed, Novem- 
ber i6th, to superintend the construction of a causeway over 
the meadow from Dunham's mill to the upland on the other 
side the stream — John Bishop, Junr., to build "a good horse 
bridge" over the Creek. This order for a " horse bridge " 
was made null and void at a subsequent meeting, the universal 
desire being expressed for a "good cart bridge " instead of it. 
So the plan of the bridge was enlarged to accommodate 
vehicles. 

If we could have looked in upon the "full town meeting" 
ot February 23d, 1681, when the bridge was under discussion 
we should doubtless have been much interested. The rude 
building in which they met, the sun-browned and i-ough-clad 
farmers who composed the assembly, the solemn earnestness 
with whicli the question was debated, the feverish excitement 



92 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

with which some economist opposed the enlargement of the 
structure over the Papiack, the dignified aspect of the Town 
Clerk, the anxious persistence of the trans-Papiack inhabitants 
whom a cart bridge would most benefit, the gravity with 
which the vote was taken, the satisfaction of the one party and 
the disappointment of the other when the result wa? 
announced — all these things combined to make a scene which 
would have been of absorbing interest to us if we could have 
looked upon it. 

In the same meeting the Clerk was authorized to notify the 
inhabitants of future meetings by putting up a paper on the 
south side of the building in which they were accustomed to 
meet. The order concludes thus : " And all and every indi- 
viduall person that shall willingly or wilfully Neglect come- 
ing to meet with and assist their Neighbours in Doing towne 
Business, Shall forfit to the use of the towne for Every 
Neglect, three Shillings, to Be taken By Distress if payment 
Be Denyed." 

Under date of October 17th some matters pertaining to tlie 
meeting-house, which was then in course of construction, were 
considered. 

On the i5lh of November Capt. John Pike, Capt. John 
Bishop, and John Dennis were elected " Rate makers " and 
John Pike, Jr., " Rate gatherer" for the ensuing year. All 
"out-land" was voted to be rated at 5^. an acre. Swine above 
a year old were to be rated at los. per head. One of the 
Bishops, which one is not stated, protested against the 5^. tax 
on out-land — contending that the vote was illegal on the 
ground that a votje had been previously passed in this very 
meeting fixing the rate at 4.f. In a parliamentary point of 
view Bishop was right, but it is no uncommon thing at the ■ 
present day for august assemblies to vote twice and difterently 
on the same question without the formality of a vote of 
re-consideration; so that we are constrained to excuse the 
Woodbridge Freeholders. 

The last meeting in 1681 was held on the Sth of December, 
wlien Capt. Pike was elected President of the Township Court, 
with Ephraim Andrews, Samuel B.acon, John Ilsly, and Capt. 
John Bishopas assistants. 



TOWN MKETINGS — RESUMED. 93 

Thus we have the record of only five meetings during the 
whole of this year. If there were more, no minutes of them 
were taken — or, if so, they have been lost. 

Here we enter upon the important data of the years 1682-3. 
Two counties were erected in East Jersey in the year 1682 — 
Bergen and Middlesex. Monmouth and Essex had been 
already constituted (in 1675), although the boundaries of the 
four counties Avere so indistinctly designated that Legislative 
enactments were necessary some time subsequently in order 
to the settlement of them. Middlesex county was drawn upon 
in 1688 for the entire construction of Somerset, which reduced 
its area considerably. 

The first Town Meeting in Woodbridge in 1682 was held on 
Sunday, January ist. Nothing but the election of Samuel 
Dennis and Ephraim Andrews as Deputies to the Legislature 
was transacted The business was resumed on the following- 
day. The Deputies were voted four shillings per day while 
serving the town in the Assembly. The following general 
instructions were given to these officers; 

'• the towne By their Votes Doth Ingage their Deputyes 
Now Chosen to act Legally according to the best of their 
Judgments, for the good and welfare of the Contry and tt) 
maintain the Contrys previledges By Concession, and to 
(jppose anything that may Infring any of those previledges, 
and the towne will Bear them out in So Doing." 

Jonathan Bishop is admitted as a Freeholder and granted a 
parcel of common land, in consideration of his building a saw- 
mill on it alongside the southern branch of the Rahawack 
. (Rahwav) River. The mill is to be exempt for five years 
from town tax. The price of Jonathan's initiation as a Free- 
holder is fixed at 30^'. " in good pay." 

On the 24th, the following note was sent to Mr. BoUeii, 
vSecretarv of the Province : 

" Capt : James BoUin, the Inhabitants of this towne Being 
Mett together and they Being Informed that there are Comis- 
sions Ready for Court officers, and that your Demands for the 
Same is twenty Shillings in good pay: the towne hath made 
Clioice of Saml. Dennis & Israel Thornill to Come and 



94 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITV 



acquaint you that the town Doth By these presents Ingage to 
Satisfy and pay you twenty Shillings out of the Next Rate 
that is made for this year: for the two Comissions Now in 
your hands, Desireing that 3'ou would please to Send the Said 
Comissions By the Bearer hereof, and they Shall rest yours. 

" In Behalf of the towne & by their order 
"Saml. Moore — Town Clerk." 

From which it appears that the Town treasury had been 
depleted to such an extent that it became necessary for the 
town to ask for credit in the small matter of 20^-. TliC " rate " 
on swine above a year old was raised to 15^-. per head. Those 
in the settlement who had no lands, but plied any trade or 
realized profit from any business, were to be assessed accord- 
ing to the discretion of the Rate-makers. 

Capt. John Pike having objected to his electit)n as Justice 
of the Corporation Court, the Town jMeeting of February 9tli 
waived his objection, which was raised on some technical 
ground, and confirmed him in the ofiice. His fee was fixed at 
2s. for any action tried by him, and that of his assistants at is. 
At this meeting a committee, consisting of Samuel Moore, 
Samuel Dennis, and Samuel Hale, reported the following in 
regard to the Couit ; 

That there should be four sessions annually — one to begin 
the 2d Tuesday in May, the next to begin the 2d Tuesday in 
August, the third the 2d Tuesday in November, and the fourth 
the 2d Tuesday in Februar)-. Special sessions were recom- 
mended in urgent cases, for whicli double fees for the Court 
Clerk should be exacted from the party bringing the action. 
The fees were recommended to be put down at ly. per action 
for the Justices (except the President, who had been allotted a 
double fee) and is. for Jurymen. The Clerk's fees should be 
6 pence for entering each action; is. for writing a declaration; 
6 pence for each evidence sworn in Court; for recording a 
judgment and jury's verdict, is. and 6 pence; for writing an 
execution, is. Ot/.; for recording it, 9 pence; for entering or 
withdrawing a non-suit, 6 pence. Other writings were to be 
charged at the discretion of the Court. The Sergeant's fees 
were recommended as follows: for serving a summons, 6 



lOWN MEETINGS — RESUMED. 



pence; if it required a journey of more than half a mile for 
the service, is., and for each mile beyond, 6 pence; for sum- 
moning a jury, is. 6t/., "to Dito for attending the Court for 
Each action Six pence;" for serving an execution, 2jr. 6^/.; 
"for apprisement to have for all Sums under five pounds, ten 
pence upon the pound ; for all Sums above five pounds and 
under ten pounds eight pence upon the pound; all vSums 
above ten pounds and under fifty pounds Six pence upon the 
pound ; all Sums above fifty and under one Hundred pounds, 
three pence upon the pound; for all Sums above one Hun- 
dred pounds, twenty Shillings." Every action committed tu 
the jury was to pay whole fees; if withdrawn or nonsuited. 
to pay half fees — "the Clerk to be accountable for all Court 
fees, and to have Every tenth penny for the Same." Each 
Avitness, while in attendance at Court, was recommended to be 
allotted IS. 6d. per day. The fee for a Justice's warrant to be 
2S. (id.\ for a subpoena for one, 6 pence ; for subpcena for more 
than one, 3 pence for each name; for a summons in all civil 
actions, is. All fees and fines were to be collected by dis- 
traint, if necessary. The fine for a jurvman's non-attendance 
to be 55. ; for a witness' absence, 2o.s-. 

Appended to this legal paper was a hortatory address to the 
Justices to faithfully fulfill the trust reposed in them ; and it 
concludes as follows: " In particular that they use their ut- 
most Care and Endeavour to Suppres Divers Disorders Avhich 
■hath Been and Still are amongst us, (the which have been 
greatly to the Dishonour of God and the Scandal of this 
tovvne, abroad as well as at home:) by punishing the offend- 
er or offenders according to Law, Espetially the prophanation 
of the Saboth or Lords Day." 

This document was accepted by tiie Freeholders in the next 
town meeting, April 21st, 1682. 

May 25th Samuel Moore being absent, Samuel Dennis, his 
brother-in-law, acted as Town Clerk. The Pound was to be 
supplied with " a Sutable Lock thereunto and a keeper." In 
the meeting of September 1st it was resolved to mark again 
the trees forming the boundary between Woodbridge and Pis- 
cataway, which, it will be remembered, were defaced by the 
Piscataway people. The latter part of November was fixed 
for the excursion, which was free for" as many as pleas to go." 



p6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

On the loth of. October every member of the Corporation 
v/as required to give in to the Town Clerk, for public record, 
a statement of his amount of land. Capts. Pike and Bishop 
acted with Mr. Moore in drawing off a correct list of the num- 
ber of acres to which every Freeholder was entitled (see Chap. 
III.) 

In November the Rate for " plough land " was declared to 
be 8.y. per acre ; for pasture land, 45.; and for " out land " 3^. 
Swine was to be free of tax this year. 

During 1682 some changes occurred in the government of 
tlie Province Avhich ought to be noticed just here. Sir George 
Carteret died January 14th, 1680, and his will directed that his 
New Jersey property should be sold for the benefit of his cred- 
itors; but no purchaser appeared until 1682. In January of 
this year twelve men bought it, among whom were William 
Penn and Thomas Rudyard. Robert Barclay was made Gov- 
ernor with the privilege of non-residence. He appointed 
Rudyard as his Deputy, who arrived in Elizabethtown on the 
13th of November, superseding Governor Carteret.* Samuel 
Groome, of Stepney, near London, and one of the twelve pro- 
prietors, in like manner superseded Voquillen as Surveyor- 
General. Thus a new regime was established. Governor 
Carteret did not long survive his deposition, for in the middle 
of December, of the same year, he died. 

The Deputy Governor called his Council together by a war- 
rant issued on the 10th of December, and began overhauling 
the papers of Capt. Vickers, the ex-Secretary of the Province. 
There was the evidence of so much fraud on Vickers' part that 
he was prohibited from holding any public office for time to 
corae.f Voquillen. the ex-Surveyor-General, of Woodbridge, 
was also arraigned before tlie Council for collusion, perhaps, 
with Vickers.] The latter was required to give security for his 
future good behavior § (March 20th), in consequence of some 
seditious utterances against the government. || He refused; 
whereupon, Samuel Moore, the Woodbridge Town Clerk, was 
immediately sworn as High Sheriff of Middlesex County, and 
Capt. Vickers was placed in his custody to be " Com'itted t(j 
the Com'on Goale att Woodbridge."^ It will be seen from 

• UatfleM's Klimbeth, p. 21 1. t Gnvernor & Council of E. J. p. 15. % Ibid. 1*. § Ibid. 2C. 
I (tovernor & Council, i>. 25. ^ IbM. 6. 



TOWN MEETINGS — RESUMED. 97 

this and other facts, to be detailed hereafter, that County pris- 
oners and some Provincial prisoners were honored with lodg- 
ings in this Woodbridge common jail. 

A serious charge was brought against Robert Voquillen (or 
VauquelUn, as the name is spelled in the " Record of the 
Governor & Council of East Jersie ") — being to this effect, 
that he had made his surveys without reference to the " Con- 
cessions " of the proprietors; that many were without dates 
or any warrant from the proper authorities. Being sum- 
moned to answer, he refused to appear. Accordingly, on the 
2 1 St of March. 1683, the High Sheriff of Middlesex was 
ordered to " forthwth repaire to the house of the said Robert 
vauquillin &: him bring before the Governor and Cbuncill." 
The Sherifi" was also directed to search his house and bring 
any records or surveys which he might find. The ex-Sur- 
veyor-General was present on the 23d, but denied having any 
papers in his possession which concerned the public. A bill 
was brought in on the 26Lh from the House of Deputies which 
was designed to " disenable " both Voquillen and Samuel Edsall 
from holding office thereafter. What Edsall's crime was, does 
not distinctly appear; but perhaps it was the destruction of a 
warrant for laying out certain lands. ^- The bill was signed 
by the Deputy Governor on the same day.f 

* Gov. it Gounc, p. ei. + Ibid., 87. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1683—1690. 

Moore and Dennis — The Sheriffalty — First Tavern in 

woodbridge — more of the piscataway trouble 

The Deputy Governors — Quit Rent Agitation — 
Highways — Pound — Obadiah Ayers — Vigilance Com- 
mittee — Landings — Second Division of Land — Death 
OF Samuel Moore — ok Israel Thornell — First Side- 
walk. 

We continue our history of the Town Meetings, beginning 
with that of January ist, 1683. An election was held, as 
usual, for the choice of officers for the Corporation. Samuel 
Dennis and Samuel Moore were, just at this time, the two 
most popular men in the township. The latter was a remark- 
able man, as the observant reader has already discovered. 
Perhaps there was no man in the Province better known than 
he, nor one more implicitly trusted. For many years he had 
held some of the most important positions, and yet no 
diminution of his reputation or influence had occurred. If 
any envied him, as no doubt some did, they were unable to 
sully his fair fame, or win the proud place he occupied in the 
hearts of the people. 

In this meeting, Dennis and Moore were elected Deputies 
to the General Assembly. As an evidence of the popularity 
of these two men we find that both Avere in nomination for 
the Presidency of the Township Court, and the vote stood 
thus: Moore, 12; Dennis, 10. The Freeholders, doubtless, 
voted for others; but these stood highest when the ballots 
were counted. Instead of discriminating between them, the 
town sent the two names to Deputy Governor Rudyard 
(whose prerogative it was to confirm all nominations of 
Justices) that he might choose one of them. Rudyard, taking 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 99 

into consideration the manifold duties already imposed on 
Mr. Moore, decided in favor of Samuel Dennis.* During this 
year Mr. Moore held the offices of High Sheriff of Middlesex 
County, Deputy to the Assembly, Messenger of the House of 
Deputies,! Town Clerk of Woodbridge and Tax Collector for 
the township! Besides, he administered (Nathaniel Fitz 
Randolph assisting) the estate of Capt. James Bollen, late 
Secretary of the Province, who died intestate ;| and did a great 
deal of township business as member of different committees, 
and opened a tavern. 

On the 23d of February an arbitrary order was passed. If 
any Freeholder was elected by a majority vote (subject, of 
course, to the Governor's approval) as a Justice of the Peace, 
and refused to serve, he was required to pay a fine for such 
refusal ranging from 20s. to 40s. This is something like the 
bill which the Deputies sent up for the concurrence of the 
Governor and Council on the 26th of May of this same year 
(1683), for punishing those who refused to serve as Sheriffs 
when they had been commissioned.§ Inasmuch as there was 
no salary attached to the Sheriffalty, the Council opposed the 
bill as unjust and having a tendency to bring the office into 
contempt. 

The case of Barent vs. Wandle, cited by Knickerbocker, in 
evidence of the sagacity of Wouter Van Twiller as a magis- 
trate, may not be an exaggeration after all, in view of the laws 
just mentioned. Our readers will remember, in the case 
referred to, that Gov. Van Twiller counted the leaves of the 
account books and weighed them carefully in his hands and 
decided that as one was as thick and heavy as the other that 
they were balanced, and that Barent should give Wandle a 
receipt and Wandle should give Barent a receipt, and f/iaf the 
Constable should pay the costs! Knickerbocker remarks that 
"the office of Constable fell into such decay that there was 
not one of those losel scouts known in the province for many 
years." If New Amsterdam had passed a law like those 
above-mentioned, the Constable would not only have been 
compelled to pay the costs in Barent vs. Wandle, but also to 
pay a fine for refusing to serve. 

* Gov. & Council, p. 42. t Ibid., 52. % Ibid., 4-3. § Gov. & Council, p. 74. Consta- 
bles who refused the office were to be fined £4. Leatning & Bpicer, p. 868. 



lOO WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Apropos to this, we find the following entry in the minutes 
of the Governor and Council (p. 71), under date of May 23, 
1683: 

"The petic'on of Samll Moore late p'vost Marshall of this 
p'vince now high SherifFe of the County of Middx and the 
keeper of the Com'on Goale for this p'vince being read, 
therein setting forth his former great Cost and Charge in 
keeping and mainctaining the prisoners wthout any allow- 
ance for the same wch charge is yet Continued upon him 
there being noe p'vission to this Day made for him, It is the 
sence of this board as well his former as his latter Charge 
expended is p'vinciall and ought to be borne by the Country 
for wose service it is, Therefore it is ordered that his Case 
bee recommended to the Deputyes now assembled that they 
may Consider of some effectual way for his redresse, And 
it's further p'posed that the petic'oner, being in a p'ticular of 
his Charge that some Due Course may be taken to settle by 
Act of Assembly or otherwise such a Sallery on that office or 
other p'vision that the office wch is so necessary may not 
onely be borne wihout Cost or Charge to the officer but a due 
Encouragemt. for such who undertake the same, it's ordered 
that Captn Berry and Capt. Palmer carry up our sence to the 
Deputyes." 

Rather cool! Fining a man if he refuses to serve (or 
threatening so to do), and yet requiring him to bear all the 
expenses of his office withouf a salary .' Shade of Van Twiller ! 

Sheriff's fees were not granted until 1686 (Learning and 
Spicer, p. 300). Jailers' fees were then also allowed: "Turn- 
ing the Key in and out," Zs.; affixing the seal of the Province 
to documents, 5^. 

On the iStli of April Samuel Moore and Samuel Dennis 
were appointed to petition the new proprietors to confirm the 
Town Charter, which met, doubtless, witli a favorable re- 
sponse, but the confirmation was not given. 

In June the Corporation Court was directed to hold 
s3ssions on the first Tuesdays in May, August, November and 
February annually. At this meeting Samuel Moore was 
"By a unanimo is Vote Made Choice of to keep ordinary 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. lOI 

[i, e. an inn] for this Towne, and whilst Rum is to Be had 
from the Merchant at three Shillings or two Shillings and 
Six pence for [a] Galln he is to aford it for Money at 3 pence 
for [a] gill, Six pence the half pint, and Eighteen pence the 
Quart; if he gives more, then to Raise the price." Rum-sell- 
ing was regarded as a respectable business in those days, 
much as we wonder at it. Moore's was the first tavern set up 
in the place, and probably occupied the site upon which Dr. 
Samuel E. Freeman's drug store now stands, as that is the 
spot which both the record and tradition assign as his 
residence. 

In the meeting of October ist, three men, Samuel Moore, 
John Bloomfield, and Jonathan Bishpp, were appointed to 
meet with a committee from Elizabethtown to consult con- 
cerning the best route for a highway between that place and 
Woodbridge — their decision to be laid before the next 
Assembly for final disposition. This road was eventually 
opened ; whether in consequence of these, or subsequent 
negotiations, we cannot tell. 

The bridge and causeway over the Papiack Creek and 
meadow were ordered to be repaired. 

In November a committee, headed by the Woodbridge 
military chieftain, Capt. John Bishop, was directed to exam- 
ine the magazine and report the "Town's Stock of Powder 
and Shot." If the report was ever made no record of it has 
been preserved. The amount of war material was, doubtless* 
inconsiderable; and a contest with an enemy would have 
found the settlers illy prepared to cope with him successfully. 

Notwithstanding that the Woodbridge men had intended in 
the latter part of November, 1682, to fix the boundary between 
their own land and that of the Piscataway men, we find that 
as late as February, 1684, it had not been done. A committee 
of six engaged to do it, at a Town Meeting of the latter date, 
and to complete it by the last day of the following April for 
the sum of thirty-eight yhillings. The money was ordered to 
be raised and the Piscataway people to be notified, but 
whether the boundary line was run or not belongs to res 
incognitae; for the committee never thought it was worth while 
to report. In all probability Piscataway objected to the 



I02 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

proposed line and the matter was indefinitely postponed. 
The Piscataway Deputies had presented a petition to the 
•Council of the Province in May, 1683. The memorial, 
"Desireing a grant of all the lands w^thin the Indian purchase 
for ffourteen pounds p. Ann: was here read — and Edw. Slater 
and John Gilman being then p'sent, they were Answered that 
their request was not intelligeable, the quantity of Lands 
wthin those bounds being uncertain." So the paper was 
dismissed.* This was designed to overthrow the Woodbridge 
claim, and would have had the intended effect if it had been 
acceded to; for its very indefiniteness would have given the 
Piscataway men unlimited authority over the disputed ter- 
ritory. 

On the 28th day of February, 1684, another change in the 
Provincial government took place. f Gov. Barclay sent over 
a Deputy to supersede Thomas Rudyard, who, on the day 
designated, called his new Council together, assigning to his 
predecessor, Rudyard, the position of Secretary. In the new 
Council we find the name of Samuel Dennis, of Woodbridge, 
who served through the administration with great fidelity, as 
the records show. The new Deputy Governor was Gawen 
Lawrie, who held the office until October, 1686, when Lord 
Neill Campbell was commissioned by Barclay as the chief 
officer of the Province Both Rudyard and Lawrie had failed 
to give satisfaction to the Proprietors because the taxes were 
not collected with sufficient promptness, the dividends coming 
in very slowly; besides, they were more anxious to secure 
large tracts of land for thernselves than urge the interests of 
those whom they were appointed to serve. J The Council 
held at Perth Amboy on the 28th of December, 1686, was the 
last at which Gov. Campbell presided; for, hearing that 
James II. was becoming tolerant to Protestants, he, wlio had 
fled for his life for daring to be one, hastened back to England 
to greet his wife and children again,§ leaving his honors in 
the hands of one of his Councilmen, Andrew Hamilton, of 
Amboy. Hamilton's commission was officially read March 
1 2th, 1687. During his term of service we note that two 

* Cov. & Council, p. 74. t Gov. & Council, p. 100. t Uatfiold's Elizabeth, p. 231. 
§ Ibid , 233. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. lOJ 

Woodbridge men were chosen among his Councillors — John 
Bishop and Samuel Dennis. 

To return to the Town Meeting of February 25th, 1684: 

A committee of three was appointed to "Meet with the 
Governor or proprietors at Amboy to treat with them or with 
whome they appoint for the Renewing of the bounds accord- 
ing to the first Survey between amboy and our towne of 
Woodbridge." What resulted from this conference we cannot 
tell. 

Robert Wright, in asking for a certain tract of land, 
formerly the property of John Trueman, was granted posses- 
sion of it on condition that he should settle on it and work at 
his trades. He was a tanner and shoemaker, and came from 
Staten Island. 

John Allen, the popular preacher of Woodbridge, was 
now actively engaged in agricultural and kindred pursuits. 
At this meeting he was chosen meat packer for the town. The 
exportation of meat had grown to be a lucrative traffic among 
the settlers; and, to foster it, they threw around it the safe- 
guard of public inspection by an honest and capable officer. 

On the loth of April, Capt. John Pike and his son John 
and Capt. John Bishop were chosen to discuss the Quit Rents 
and other matters with the Governor and Proprietors. Dis- 
affected parties throughout the Province were endeavoring to 
znake it appear that land bought from the Indians should be 
exempt from tax, except that which they levied upon them- 
selves. So specious were the arguments advanced that the 
Woodbridge men, in their desire to be loyal, appealed to the 
Proprietors for some conclusive evidence against the Indian- 
title theory. They were manifestly non-plussed. The town 
order is thus stated : 

"That which the towne Desires should be Debated with the 
governor and present proprioters is as foUoweth: Viz: first 
how it may apear, that the Gentlemen that Now Claims the 
proprioty of this province of East Jersey: have So Real an 
Jnterest, th.at they have Reason, Justice and Law on their 
Sides to Demand Quitrents from the Jnhabitants of East 
Jersey, and that the Jnhabitants may Safely pay it to them as 
Not [to] be Questioned for the Same in time to Come by any 



I04 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Others, zdly to Desire of these present propriotors, the Con- 
firmation of our Charter and General patten for Commons. 
3dly the Confirmation of our particular pattens." 

The committee reported to the meeting of May 22d that the 
items specified had been discussed. It was recommended that 
a petition should be presented to the Governor and Proprie- 
tors asking for the confirmation of the Woodbridge Charter 
and the patents just mentioned. In regard to the debate on 
the Quit Rent question nothing was reported at this^time. 
On that point we imagine that the Freeholders were dissatis- 
fied; for, as late as January ist, 1685, we find a "difference" 
between them and the Proprietors on this subject. However, 
four of the chief men of the town were eznpowered to settle 
the difficulty, which was amicably done; and subsequently the 
following minute appeared in the record: "At a Publick 
Towne Meeting the 22d Day of September 16S5: it is Deter- 
mined By the Jnhabitants that the Quitrents aught to be paid, 
and that to the present Goverment; and Every person to take 
Care to Discharge their parts of the Quitrents with what 
Convenient Speed they Can." Thus did the Woodbridge 
Freeholders commit themselves to the payment of this land 
tax, concerning which so much controversy has arisen and 
such diverse views have been held. The celebrated Elizabeth- 
town Bill in Chancery grew out of the discussion of this 
question. A large and influential party sought to throw oft' 
what to them appeared to be a dreadful incubus, by contesting 
the case in the courts. The bill was drawn in 1746, but was 
never decided by process of law. 

Deputy-Governor Lawrie sent a message to Woodbridge, 
which was read in the Town Meeting of June 30th, 1684, in 
which he requested the gift, for the Proprietors, of five 
hundred acres of land, to be included within the bounds of 
Amboy. This was unanimously and decidedly refused by the 
Freeholders. 

In October it was resolved to repair the highways. Capt. 
Bishop was appointed to look after the Rahway roads; 
Samuel Smith was assigned to the same duty "for the Middle 
part of the towne"; Ephraim Andrews for the road leading 
from Capt. Pike's (at Strawberry Hill) to the Amboy line ; 



TOWN MEET1N(;S, CONTINUED. 105 

and Israel Thornell for the highway from the Amboy line to 
the P iscata way road ; — "and all the Jnhabitants are obliged 
to appearc at the Several places appointed By the Several 
overseers, and to Be Ready to go to work By Sun an hour 
High or Else the overseers may Refuse them." 

The old pound, having been neglected, was in such a state 
ot dilapidation that in September, 1685, John Pike was 
engaged to make a new one on the old site; "to be of the 
Same Length and Breadth with the old pownd, to be made 
with good Square posts, and five good faire Rails & a good 
Substatial Cooping, Rails wellfixed to the heads of the posts." 
For which Pike was to receive ;^3. 

On the common land much timber was cut and used ille- 
gally by certain persons who sought thus to enrich themselves 
at the expense of the town. Eight men were chosen, who 
lived in as many different localities, to guard the common 
property. John Conger and Noah Bishop were chosen for 
Rahawack [Rahway] and parts adjacent ; Samuel Dennis and 
Israel Thornell for the west side of the Papiack Creek ; Mat- 
thew Moore and Isaac Tappen for the east side; John Dennis 
and John Bloomfield for "the out plantations near Piscata- 
way." 

In January, 1686, two Constables were chosen instead of 
one, as heretofore — " Nathaniel Randolf & Obediah Hayers," 
as the transcriber puts it. Some of our acute readers will 
recognize Obadiah. in spite of the picturesque spelling, as a 
member of the "Ayres" or "Ayers " family. He was often 
almost indistinguishable as Haires. His name is spelt Ayers 
in a record of the year 1695, so that there is no doubt of his 
identity. 

In this January meeting (ist) John Bishop " Ingaged to 
make a Sufficient Bridge over the Brook Called the Mill 
Brook in the Country Highway Leading to Elizabeth towne." 
This is the stream in Lower Rahway (or Leesville) which is 
now spanned by a bridge, as in those days, and probably at 
the same place. 

At the Town Meeting of the 31st of May the following order 
passed unanimously: "that if at any time it Shall So hapen 
that any person or persons whatsoever whether Neighbors or 



Io6 VVOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

St[r]angers Shall act any Manner of trespas against, Jnfringe, 
Jntrench or Jncroach upon the Rights, Libertys or previledges 
of this towne or Corporation of Woodbridge; or act any way 
against the Prudential orders of the Same : that then all aad 
Every Jncroachment Trespas or act : with the Name of the 
person or persons by whome it is Done, Shall forth with be 
given into the Committy Made Choice of by the towne for 
that pr.rpose, or to one or two of them, to the End the Matter 
be forth with Jmparted or Communicated to the Rest, which 
Comitte hereafter Nominated are hereby Jmpowered to take 
Cognizance of Consult about, and Determin as the Major 
part of them Shall agree upon Conclution of any Such Matter 
or thing, and to appoint one, two or three more or Less of 
themselves, or any other according to their Discretions in th6 
townes Behalf, as the Matter Shall Require, to Summons, 
arest, Enter plea action or Declaration against, and in Course 
of Law, amply and fully to procicute to the full all Jntents 
and purposes, any action or plea So Entered, and also to 
Defend any action and answer any plea that may Be Entered 
or made against the towne By any person or persons whatso- 
ever, or that may be Entered or Comenced against any 
particular person or persons, wherein the Right, title, prev- 
iledge or Jnterest of the Town or Corporation may Be 
Directly Concerned, taking profit or Loss, with the Standing 
or falling of Such Case or Cases So Commenced, or plea or 
pleas Entered: the towne holding for good what from time to 
time the Said Comitte Now, or hereafter By them to Be 
Chosen Shall Lawfully Do or Cause to be Done, in or about 
the Before mentioned premises Defending and Maintaining 
them in the Same." 

This looks a great deal like a Vigilance Committee, and we 
can imagine only two reasons for its existence; either the 
Piscatavvay men were contemplating another raid on the 
Woodbridge boundary, and this was intended to intimidate 
them; or dishonesty and rascality were so prevalent that such 
a measure as this was necessary for public security. We 
have stated, in a previous chapter, that the tone of society in 
general was very low in the settlement in consequence of the 
lack of moral and religious influences; so that it is not 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. I07 

improbable that out of this fact grew the necessity of this 
committee. Jonathan Dunham, Robert MacCleland, Capt. 
Piice, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, and Samuel Moore were 
elected under the provisions of the town order. 

Nothing occurred worthy of note between that May Town 
Meeting in 1686 and the one in January of the next j^ear, 
except certain ecclesiastical matters which are chronicled 
elsewhere. 

A highway was laid out on the 8th of January, 1687, for the 
Rahway settlers, beginning at Robert Wright's landing (at 
William Edgar's corner, just as you enter Rahway from the 
Woodbridge road), and extending thence easterly down to 
"John Codington's point" into the meadows. The landing 
here mentioned' was reserved, by town order, for a public 
dock perpetually — as also was the landing at Capt. John 
Bishop's on the same stream, east of the Captain's grist-mill. 
These docks were first built for the transportation of hay; 
but, althovigh that continued for many years to be one of the 
principal articles of export, an extensive trade gradually 
developed in breadstuflfs, etc., which rendered the landings 
well-known and important points. Their names were as 
familiar as household words in those early days; but the 
advent of steam, superseding the oar and sail in commerce, 
has nearly obliterated them from the memory of man. Of 
the many landings all along our creeks, only four or five are 
known to the present generation. One Autumn day we 
started in search of an old-time dock on Smith's Creek, and, 
after hunting diligently along its margin, we found it at the 
end of a lane, leading out of the main road, the ruts of which 
were filled with tangled grass. The wharf is very old, but its 
appearance indicates that it is substantial even yet. This is 
supposed to be the once well-known Cortland's Landing (see 
Chapter II.), now seldom used and its history involved in 
obscurity. 

John Conger and Noah Bishop, who, in 1685, were 
appointed to prosecute any one in Rahway or adjacent places 
who illegally cut the timber on the common land, were the 
victims ot a suit, brought against them by Thomas Thorp in 
1687, for removing from the commons some of Thorp's dressed 



Io8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

trees — by mistake, doubtless. The costs fell upon the town, 
of course, as Conger and Bishop were acting as its agents in 
the matter; and to prevent further litigation the meeting of 
February 14th sent a committee to the victorious Thomas to 
ask for a cessation of hostilities. 

This meeting being occupied, till late in the afternoon, with 
ecclesiastical business, it adjourned until eight o'clock the 
next morning; at which time there was, probably, a large 
attendance, for the second division of land was to be con- 
sidered. The quantity ot land in the first division is found 
approximately indicated in Chapter III., in the list of original 
land-holders. The second division was to comprise sixty acres 
of upland J or each Freeholder. We ti\anscribe the order for the 
survey : 

" Jt also passed By Vote that the Divisions of Land Now to 
Be Laid out Shall Begin a little to the westward of the High- 
way that Runs to Elizabetli Towne upon the west line 
Betwixt Elizabeth towne and Woodbridge and So to Extend 
westward So far as the towne Bounds Extends, and from 
thence upon the South line untill they Come to the Heads of 
the farms already Laid out, and if in that Circate [circuit] there 
Be Not land Enough then to Begin at the Rear of the Lots 
abovementioned, and to Run the Same way that the first 
Range Did Runn, and to Continue the Same Manner till the 
Compliment of Lotts Be all Laid out if there Be Land 
Enough: and for the Efecting the Leying out of the Said 
Land, the towne hath appointed ten Men for that End, which 
Men or the major part of them hath full power (if "any Now 
Nominated Do fail going) to make Choice of any other 
person or persons in their Rooms, provided that Mr. Lipray,- 
Jonathan Dunham or Saml. Moore Be one of the Major part, 
they Being the three principle persons we would and Do 
hereby oblige them with the Rest that Shall assist them to use 
the Best of their Discretion to Ley out Each Division of Land 
Eaqually as May Be & if it So falls out that one Lott of Land 
be like to Be Better than the other, then to add So much in 
Quantity to the Bad Lott that may Countervail the Goodness 



• Another perversion of Qen. Voqnillen's name. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. lOQ 

of another, and Exactly to mark out Each Lott and to Num- 
ber them as they are Laid out : and that the Said ten Men or 
the Major part of them Shall Ley out the Said Lotts as Con- 
veniently as they Can upon good Land: and if there be any 
Low Barrin or Swampy Land Not fitt for Service or Jmprove- 
ment, to Leave that out according to their Discretion : the 
ten Men appointed for this Service are Viz: Mr. Robert 
Voquillin, Jonathan Dunham, Saml. Moore, Saml. Smith, 
John Blomfild, Ezekiel Blomfild, John Pike, Matthew 
Moors, John Conger, Jonathan Bishop, and it is Desired that 
these ten Men would make their Business forth with to Ley 
out the Said Divisions of Land ; Six hands to be Each Day 
about the Said work and to have for their pains three Shill- 
ings per Day." 

The parcels of land were drawn by lot after they were laid 
out and numbered — the numbers being written on slips of 
^paper and thrown promiscuously into a bag, from which they 
were drawn by one the Freeholders appointed for that pur- 
pose.^' 

January ist, i68S, being Sunday, the meeting was adjourned 
to assemble on Monday, after electing two Deputies to the 
Legislature. But nothing of any importance occurred be- 
tween this date and June 15th, when the long period of Mr. 
Moore's official life is seen to have come to an end. It was 
during this year (May 27th) that he died, and Samuel Dennis 
was elected Town Clerk in his stead, in the June meeting. 

We have elsewhere alluded to the varied and efficient public 
services of Mr. Moore. Matthew, his brother, is fi^equently 
mentioned in the old Town Book ; but he did not attain to 
the distinguished position of Samuel. The latter seems to 
liave been a capable, faithful, and honest servant of the town- 
■^hip and province; and, as such, he will ever be held in honor 
— and it is no small part of our purpose to rescue from 
obscurity the names of those who have done well in "ye days 
of yore." Samuel married, in New England, Hannah 
Plumer, who died, eighteen months afterward, in December, 
1654. In September, 1656, he married again — Mary Ilsley 
becoming his wife and removing with him to Woodbridge. 



* FrwhoMors" Records, p. ?0. 



no WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

By her he had six children — four sons and two daughters. 
Whitehead considers it probable that "he was married a third 
time (Dec, 1678) to Ann Jaques." This is possibly correct. 
His wife Mary was living in June, 1678, as we learn from the 
Birth Record, in which her name occurs in connection with a 
doubly interesting event ;* but it would seem scarcely probable 
that he married in December, even if his former wife died in 
June, which is not chronicled. But he did marry a third 
time; and by Ann he had one child, Sarah, who was born 
September i6th, 1681. This daughter died in January of the 
same year her father was buried — a little more than four 
months intervening. 

So in June, 1688, Samuel Dennis became Town Clerk ; and 
in October following he was elected Moderator, to serve 
"dureing the towns plasure." John Dennis, on the 29th of 
the latter month, was appointed to superintend the making of 
a bridge near his house over the brook which runs across the 
road on the west of Alexander Edgar's residence. Dennis 
lived on the east side of the highway, about where Edmund 
Ayers now lives. 

The death of Israel Thornell, the "rate-gatherer" for 1688, 
seems to have made a great deal of trouble. He died, prob- 
ably, in September or October, after some of the taxes had 
been paid; but left his accounts in an unsettled condition. 
Evidence and personal oaths were required to settle the ques- 
tion of payment in many cases. Not that Thornell was 
dishonest; but being stricken down suddenly, he had no time 
to adjust his business with the town. As receipts were not 
given by the Collector the inhabitants were liable to be visited 
a second time for t:he same year's tax. John Ilsley acceptably 
filled out the unexpired term of Mr. Thornell. 

The first sidewalk we read of was ordered to be made on 
the 24th of October, 1689 — to follow the highway leading to 
Thomas Pike's house, in the direction of Rahway. We need 
not assure the reader that the sidewalk was not flagged or laid 
a la Asphaltum. Very likely the blackberry vines and young 
sassafras trees were cut down on the side of the road and 
then — the path was done ! 



OHAPTEE X. 

1690— ITOO. ' 

The Rangers — Geese Troubles — Town in Debt — The 

Courts — Another Town Clerk — Indian War — A Sick 

Man in Town — New Bridge — Walker's Experience — 

Too Much Talk in Meeting — The Freemen — A Model 

Compact — Riot in Woodbridge. 

An alarm was created in the Province, in the Spring of 

1690, by the report of the approach of hostile French and 

Indians. Elizabethtown sent the note of warning, suggestino- 

that Woodbridge, as other towns were doing, should employ 

an able man to range the woods, in company with the rest) 

"above the towns," in order that they might not be surprised 

and butchered by the foe. But no tomahawk was lifted, nor 

did a Frenchman make his appearance in the hamlet. Mr. 

Lyon, the Ranger, put up his gun and brought in his bill for 

;£i 5^., after tramping in the woods for a little more than a 

week. 

The geese began to be troublesome on Strawberry Hill, 
This classic spot was set apart for sheep alone; but the geese, 
in^defiance of the Town Meeting, invaded it and ate the tender 
grass with keen relish, thus depriving the sheep of their means 
of sustenance. In September the geese came near being 
"dealt with according to law;" but the settlers never fell 
over each other through excessive haste, so the matter was 
postponed. On the 30th of March of the next year the fol- 
lowing order removed all hope from any Woodbridge goose's 
breast of again enjoying the timothy and red-top on Straw- 
berry Hill ; 

" It passed By Vote that from and after ye fifteenth Day of 
May Next Coming after the Date hereof, that Neither the 
freeholders or Inhabitants of this towne and Corporation Shall 
Suffer any of their Geese or ganders to go and feed on any 



112 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



the usual Sheep Commons or feeding ground within the said 
Corporation." And if any goose or gander was so unfor- 
tunate as to be caught taking a sly nibble in the forbidden 
places the fowl was to be killed forthwith. From all of 
which we conclude that the settlers were "sound on the goose 
question." 

The sheep of the settlers were distinguished by certain 
marks and ran together in large flocks; but between the 20th 
of July and the loth of November yearly, after 1691, the 
rams were taken frotn the rest and housed by the respective 
owners. They occupied the commons, especially congregat- 
ino- in large numbers on Strawberry Hill, v/hich is hence often 
spoken of in the records as the Sheep Common. 

In November, 1691, we find the town's credit impaired. A 
third part of all its former debts vv^as to be " abated," by the 
consent of the several creditors. The following debts for 
1690-91 were provided for by special tax in the Town Meet- 
ing of December loth : 

" For five wolfs, ^3. 6^-. 8^/. to Mr. Lyon J^\. 55. to Jonathan 
Bishop ;!^i. to Samuel Dennis for Clerkship ;Q\. to Rate 
gatherer 15 Shillings: for the Covering the Meeting House 
X8." None of this was to be paid in eash, but in produce. 

During the next year great attention was given to the 
improvement of the highways. Edward Hains was granted 
permission to put up a blacksmith shop on the cast side of 
the road, adjoining Samuel Smith's. This is near the spot 
occupied by Mr. Lorraine Freeman's residence. 

In November liberty was given to any inhabitant of the 
town "to plant or Jmprove by Sowing" any of the common 
land for six years, provided no more than six acres were 
taken by any individual, and that the land should be restored" 
to the town " well cleared of trees." 

In the meeting of January 2d, 1693, the Monthly Court, 
otherwise called the " Court of Small Causes," was estab- 
lished in the township. This Court was authorized by Act 
of Assembly in 1675, for the trial of cases involving 405. or 
less,* to relieve the calendar of the County and Corporation 



• Lesmlog & Spicer, \ 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II3 

Courts, and to afford relief to the poorer classes, who, by 
reason of the expense attending a suit in the upper Courts, 
were unable to recover their small amounts by action at law. 
It was required to meet on the first Wednesday of every 
month, and was to comprise three persons only (without a 
jury"'), one of whom was to be a Justice of the Peace. Execu- 
tion, in due process, might issue from this tribunal ; and even 
a jury might be summoned, if either plaintiff or defendant 
demanded it. A Clerk and a Messenger were its officers. 

The County Courts, or "Courts of Sessions," were author- 
ized in the same year (1675), as also was the Province Court, 
or "Court of Assize," which was ordered to meet yearly at 
Woodbridge on the first Tuesday in October.f The Middle- 
sex County Court held two sessions annually, at first — one at 
Woodbridge on the third Tuesday in March, and the other at 
Piscataway on the second Tuesday in September.,]; These 
two towns comprehended the county then, as the enactment 
declares. Later (in 1682), Middlesex is thus described: 
^'Middlesex County, to begin from the parting Line, between 
Essex County and Woodbridge Line, containing Woodbrido-e 
and Piscataway, and all the Plantations on both sides the 
Rariton River, as far as Chesquake Harbor Eastward, extend- 
ing South-West to the Division Line of the Province, and 
North- West to the utmost Bovinds of the Province."! 

In this year (16S2) the sessions of the County Court were 
increased to four, as follows: "The third Tuesday in March 
yearly, in the publick Meeting House, in Woodbridge. The 
third Tuesday in June, in the publick Meeting House in 
Piscataway. The third Tuesday in September in the publick 
Meeting House at Woodbridge. And the third Tuesday in 
December, in the publick Meeting House, at Piscataway. "§ 
Criminal and civil causes were tried by this Court, the Judo-es 
of which were the Justices in the County. Three of them, at 
least, were reqviired to occupy the bench in all trials — a jury 
of twelve men rendering the verdict. In Woodbridge for 
several years the jury was chosen annually for the Township 
Court, just as were the other town officials. 

* Learning & Spicer, 229. t Ib'd., 9T. i Ibid., 95. 1| Ibid., 229. § Ibid., 231. 

n 



114 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

The Court of Common Right, or Supreme Court, was 
established in 1682, and held four sessions yearly at Eliza- 
bethtown. Its members might number from six to twelve, 
none of whom were permitted to behmg to the High Court of 
Chancery.* 

The town of Amboy Perth, as it was then called, was not of 
sufficient importance until 1686 to establish a Court there. In 
that year the Middlesex Court sessions were thus arranged: 
The third Tuesday in December at Amboy Perth; in March, 
at Piscataway; in June, at Woodbridge; in September,'"at 
Amboy Perth again; "and so to go circularly and successively 
round. "f 

Another Town Clerk was sworn into office in January, 
1693. Samuel Dennis had become tired ot it, besides being 
burdened with a multitude of other public cares. Ills suc- 
cessor, the fourth Clerk of the Corporation, was Thomas Pike, 
son of the distinguished Capt. John Pike. For some cause 
not now known, Dennis was chosen Town Clerk instead of 
Pike on the nth of April, 1694, and was required to appear to 
take the usual oath. Richard Powell, Daniel Robins, and 
Obadiah Ayers, Senior, were sent to bring him to the meeting 
for that purpose ; but he stubbornly refused to come. Pike 
was, therefore, re-elected, and held the office until 1711 — a 
"fj^rxod. oi eighteen years. Between 1707 and 17 11 his time was 
largely occupied in laying out lots for the Freeholders, and 
recording them. 

But to return to 1693 : 

On the 2d of February it is recorded that John Bloomfield 
and Jonathan Bishop should each receive 12^'. for "going up 
to the Jndians this Last Spring." It is likely that they went 
to the north to treat with the savage tribes and secure their 
friendship. At this time the Indians were in alliance with the 
French and were disturbing the frontier. The war between 
England and France was raging, and the emissaries of the 
latter were plotting the destruction of the English colonies. 
All means were employed to propitiate the red men, and the 
Jersey settlers generally were secure from their fury. Gov- 

* Learning & Spiccr, 370. t Ibid., 296. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II5 

ernor Hamilton, in October of this year, called for men and 
money to forward to New York for the defence of that 
Province from the allied forces.* The Deputies ap^reed to 
send fifteen men to Albany to protect that point. The Gov- 
ernor was indignant. He wanted thirty men, at least. Tiiey 
said they had five more, making twenty, who might go. The 
Governor told them that it "seemed very strange that they 
should bargaine as if they were buying or selling a horse or a 
Cow, when their own seafty & Credit Lyes at stake. "f But 
the Deputies would only send twenty men, arguing that they 
were too poor to pay the expenses of a larger number. They 
were poor, doubtless; but their generosity was not remark- 
able. 

In April the Town was unwillingly the nurse of a sick man 
— a stranger, named John Taggett. He had come into the 
place and fallen ill. The Freeholders were much distressed 
thereat. Thomas Swan was paid ^s. a week to keep the poor 
fellow, and Samuel Hale promised to receive the pork and 
wheat, etc., to dispense to the tender-hearted Swan as the 5^-. 
worth of them fell due. A committee was appointed to warn 
all strangers to leave the place if they^ seemed to be poor and 
likely to be sick. They were permitted to stay by giving 
security that they would behave and free the town from all 
expense in case of sickness or other misfortune. 

Two men, Ephraim Andrews and John Pike, were appointed 
in November to meet the Justices at the next session of the 
County Court to make some provision for its expenses. 
Andrews was also empowered " to Clear the way Between 
Amboy Bounds and Pascataway path," over whicJi some trees 
had been felled. 

A committee of four' was sent in January, 1694, to look at 
the Papiack Creek, near Jonathan Dunham's mill, to consider 
how best to construct a cart bridge over it. The old bridge 
was either worn out or had been swept away by a high tide. 
The new one was to be built immediately. 

The Town Meeting met in the meeting-house, as usual, oa 
the 22d; but it was cold in there, and they hastily adjourned 

• Gov. & Council, 159. + Ibid., ICl. 



Il6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

to " Samuel More his house." We presume this " More " was 
the eldest son of Samuel Moore, the late Town Clerk, and 
that he had succeeded to his father's business as inn-keeper. 
He was only twenty-four years of age at this date. At the 
two subsequent meetings during the Winter the Freeholders 
adjourned to Richard Powell's house, which was nearer, 
probably, than Moore's; but nothing of special note is re- 
corded in these gatherings, except some ecclesiastical and 
educational matters referred to, in the proper places, in this 
volume. 

In the Autumn, the bridge over the Papiack was pushed 
forward to completion, under the supervision of Matthew 
;^oore. 

In January, 1695, the standard prices of certain products, by 
which the annual taxes were gauged, were as follows: Indian 
corn, per bushel, 2s. 6d. ; Rye, ;^s. ; Wheat, 4^. ; and Oats, 
IS. 6d. On the ist of February the Freeholders beat a retreat 
from their cheerless meeting-house to the hospitable home of 
Richard Powell to hold their Town Meeting. Stoves were 
not dreamed of in those days, and a fire-place in a meeting- 
house was sacrilegious and ridiculous. So our fathers shiv- 
ered all through the sermon, and our mothers sat patiently 
anticipating Summer, while the good man told, perchance, ot 
the land over which blow "no chilling winds " — into Avhich, 
doubtless, they have since entered. 

A committee of five was appointed, consisting ot Messrs. S. 
Dennis, S. Hale, E. Andrews, E. Bloomfield, and J. Pike, to 
call Town M-eetings by written notices sent by Francis 
Walker throughout the region round about. Walker prom- 
ised to do this as long as he remained in the place; he was to 
receive 3^'. for every meeting, going to" each man's liouse to 
give the notice. His first and last experience was in March. 
He retired from the position in disgust. To travel from 
Ra,hway to the verge of Piscataway and from Amboy through 
the settlement to the Rah way River on the north, was not an 
easy task — especially in the unpropitious month of Marcli, 
concerning which Byron was not iar wrong in describing its 
coming — 

" With storms of wind and cbans^ino; skies." 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II7 

After Walker's defection the two Constables were empow- 
ered to carry the notices through the township, receiving 3^-. 
each for every " warning," as it was called. To secure punc- 
tuality the Freeholders were not permitted to vote on any 
question which had been settled by a majority vote previous 
to their arrival at the meeting. 

The meeting of the 25th of March, which was the one called 
at the expense of the boots and patience of Francis Walker, 
found it necessary to check the volubility of its members. It 
was ordered " that No person Shall (in our meetings) Speak 
to any Towne Business, Except he Shall first obtain leave 
from the Moderator So to Do, who having Spoke his Mind 
Shall Be Silent and give place to others; and when Every 
man have had free Liberty to Speak, then to Jssue the Same 
By a Vote." 

The order of 1672, requiring the vote of every Freeholder 
present to make valid an appropriation of common land to an 
applicant, was now repealed. Such an appropriation might 
be made hereafter by the consent ot the majority. 

Several /;r^/;/^/i! having been accepted by the town, it was 
considered necessary to define the privileges and responsibil- 
ities of this class of people. Hence the following appears on 
the record : 

" The Terms for Admiting free Men arid Disposeing of Land. 

" March ye 25th, 1695, Jt passed By a free Vote of the 
freeholders of the towne and Corporation of woodbridge, that 
whomesoEver Shall Be admited a freeman of this Corpora- 
tion, Shall By Virtue of Said admition have Liberty of graz- 
ing or feeding (according to proportion) on the Commons? 
fire wood, fenceing and timber for their use upon their planta- 
tions, and for this they Shall Be obliged to pay Down or 
within three Months after their admition twenty Shillings for 
the Townes use: and also to Bear their Eaqual proportion of 
the five pounds per annum for our Commons; 2dly that 
whomesoever Shall have any Land granted out of our 
Commons, Shall pay twelve pence per acre at the Delivery 
of the Said Land; and Shall pay one half penny er acre 
Sterling Money to the use of the Towne yearly for Ever; and 
also they are to pay twenty Shillings for their freedom as 



Il8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

aforesaid, and to Bear Eaqual proportion of the Common 
Rent as abovesaid from the time of their Being So admited." 

The following paper was signed by thirty-four of the best 
citizens. Why such an excellent agreement was not more 
generally favored is not apparent. We have modernized the 
spelling; 

"Corporation of Woodbridge, April the 17th, 1695 — 
"The engagement of all freeholders by original rights, and 
all free men which have been, are, or shall be so admitted in 
this town and Corporation — viz: As a good and useful mem- 
ber of this entire body, in government and guidance I will be 
subject to all the lawful and regular motions thereof, and to 
the utmost of ray skill and ability I will move and act with 
it so as may most directly tend to its peace and prosperity. 
Its nakedness I will cover; its secrets I will not discover; 
but its weakness I will support. And finally, in word and 
deed, according to my ability and its occasions, at all times I 
will endeavor to prevent the evil- and to promote the good and 
just interest of this body and each member thereof, on penalty 
of correction or expulsion, as default may require. In 
testimony hereof, we, underwritten, have subscribed our 
names." 

r>uring the remainder of this, and all of the following year, 
nothing more interesting than routine business was done in 
the Town Meetings. January ist, 1697, Town Meetings were 
directed to be " warned " by " a paper Set up on the Meeting 
House Doore Six Days Before the Meeting; " from which it 
is is evident that the Constables relished the task of carrying 
the news through the township as little as did Mr. Walker. 

Wolves must have become troublesome again, for on the 
13th of March 255-. were offered for every one killed before 
January ist, ensuing. 

At this meeting an order was passed to prohibit the waste 
of timber on the common land. Certain individuals would 
go on the commons and cut down the finest trees, which they 
would sell or export to adjacent towns by boats. This order 
required that, unless authoritative consent was obtained, no 
such privilege should be permitted. A license committee, 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II9 

consisting of Messrs. S. Dennis, S. Hale, E. Andrews, E. 
Bloomfield, and Thos. l^ike, was directed to attend to this 
matter. 

April 19th, the meeting was largely taken up with orders 
regulating the feeding of swine and " Jadges " on the common 
land. Now, what is a "jadge .-^ " Whitehead asks the same 
question in his sketch of Woodbridge, except that he calls 
them Fadgcs. But Jadges is the way it is written. They 
were animals, that much is certain; but whether they were 
jack-asses or goats, or both, we cannot tell. The swine were 
to be " yoaked and ringed" before March ist annually. 

The order of May 31st, 1686 (see Chapter IX.), is again 
unanimously passed on the loth of June, 169S. Thp com- 
mittee to carry out its provisions is changed — Capt. Bishop, 
Justice Hale, Justice Dennis, Jonathan Dunham, and John 
Pike being elected. 

John Crandal, blacksmith, was granted two acres of upland 
on the 15th of July, 169S, provided he would settle in Wood- 
bridge and follow his trade. This he agreed to do and set up 
a shop accordingly. 

The wolves must have been brought into the village in too 
great numbers for the condition of the treasury; for in 
September the price fixed for each one slain was \2s. — a 
reduction of ly. 

It will be remembered that in March, 1695, the Freeholders 
passed a resolution requiring each other to be silent after 
speaking on any question before the Town Meeting — thus 
preventing interruptions and giving all a chance to express 
an opinion. It became necessary to reiterate the resolution 
on the 2d of January, 1699 ; and, as a panalty for its violation, 
it was distinctly declared that the obnoxious Freeholder 
should " pay down nine pence in money" (not \n peas and pork 
this time) — and if he refused he was to be unceremoniously 
"turned out of the Meeting House." The Town Meetings 
were all held in the meeting-house, except in the coldest 
weather, when an adjournment to a neighboring dwelling was 
speedily effected. Indeed, this very January meeting, after 
re-affirming the resolution of 1695, just referred to, found it so 
cold in the meetine-house that the residence of Samuel Smith 



I20 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

across the road, was invaded by its lialf-frozen members, and 
the remainder of its business was transacted there. Among 
other things Samuel Dennis was directed to consult an "able 
Counseler" in regard to defending the common land from 
■intruders and false claimants. 

For a few years past considerable excitement had arisen 
whenever Proprietary rule was discussed in the Province. 
It had reached a degree of violence in 1699 which Avas fright- 
ful. The people denied that the Proprietors had any right to 
rule, and desired to be brought directly under the Crown. 
Consequently the authority of the officers of the Proprietors 
was set at naught. Indeed, they were beaten, and prisoners 
in their%charge were rescued, jails being broken open to effect 
the release of criminals. As the Woodbridge jail was the one 
in which were incarcerated the provincial prisoners, it was 
attacked and emptied by a crowd of desperate men. On the 
1 6th of May the government records contain the following 
item : " Ordered that a writ of Inquiry be Issued out to the 
Sherriflf of the County of Monmouth to return a Jury upon 
he riot comitted at Woodbridge."* 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was High Sheriff of Middlesex, 
out had shown such contempt for the existing governmentf 
that the case was not given into his hands. 

The disorders reached their culmination in 1701. Disorders 
prevailed throughout both East and West Jersey to such an 
extent that the Proprietors, wearied of the struggle, surren- 
dered the government in the following year — Queen Anne 
accepting it on the 17th of April, 1702. Henceforth East and 
AVest Jersey were known as one province which was called 
New Jersey, Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, being the first 
Governor under the new regime — his dominion extending also 
over New York. 

* Gov. and Council, p. 223. t Ibid., 227. 



CHAPTER XL 

1702— 1872. 

The Episcopal Congregation — George Keith — Edward 
Vaughan — Halliday — First Church — Piscataway 
Church — Shutting out Halliday — Skinner — Chand- 
ler — McKean — Parker — Preston — The War — Church 
Officers. 

Although no congregation of Episcopalians was formed 
previous to 171 1, yet, as early as 1702, George Keith, the dis- 
affected Quaker, having been sent out as a missionary by the 
" Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts " 
(an English Episcopal organization), arrived in Woodbridge 
on a mission of propagandism. This was a work for which 
he was well qualified, and his labors, in some parts of the 
State, were attended with much success. In his Journal* he 
mentions his visit to Woodbridge thus : " On Thursday, De- 
cember 30, 1702, preached in Woodbridge at the Independent 
Meeting House, at the desire of Mr. Shepherd and some others 
there, on i Tim. 3, 16. After sermon Mr. Shepard kindly 
entertained us at his house." 

These were acts of Christian courtesy, on the part of Mr. 
Shepard, which present his character in an attractive light. 
He was the town preacher, and therefore liable to the preju- 
dice and jealousy which existed, to some extent, in every 
denomination at that time. It is pleasant to find that he, with 
some others in his congregation, rose superior to such narrow 
sentiments. 

Keith preached on the same day in Piscataway.f In 1704 
Mr. John Brook preached at Piscataway, Rah way, Amboy, 
and other places until 1707, when he was lost at sea; but 
Woodbridge had no Episcopal missionary in the town imtil 

* Whitehead, II. Contr. p. 8S9. t Whitehead, p, 212, note. 



122 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Rev. Edward Vaughan (an able man who was sent to Eliza- 
bethtown in 1709, by the " Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel ") responded to an invitation from several men who 
were dissatisfied with Rev, Nathaniel Wade, the town preach- 
er, and began to visit and minister liere in 171 1. At first he 
held service in a house offered for that purpose by Benjamin 
Dunham. Rev. Thomas Flalliday, who came to Amboy in 
1711, subsequently assisted Mr. Vaughan at Woodbridge. 

I am indebted to the Hon. W. A. Whitehead, the historian, 
for the privilege of making the extracts, which follow, from 
the letters of Vaughan, Halliday, and others, to the " Society 
for the Propagation of tlie Gospel." Tiie original MSS. are 
now in the possession of Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D. D., who 
intends publishing them, together with other documents of 
the Society. 

On the 5th of August, 1711, the Rev. Mr. Halliday writes 
to the Secretary of the Society that he is officiating at two 
places, Amboy and Piscataway. Concerning the latter place 
he says : 

" Piscatoqua makes a much greater congregation, and there 
are some pious and well-disposed people among them. Some 
come from good distances to this meeting, but there is noth- 
ing among us like the lace ot a Church of England, no sur- 
plice, no bible, no communion Table, an old broken house 
insufficient to keep us from injuries of the weather, and where 
likewise the anabaptists which swarm in the place and do 
sometimes preach and we cannot hinder, the house belonging 
to the Town." 

From a letter written by Rev. Mr. Vaughan to the Secre- 
tary, bearing date February 28th, 17 12, we learn that his labors 
had been divided between Elizabeth and Rahway after Mr. 
Halliday had arrived to assist him. He says that he delivers 
a monthly lecture at Rahway and catechizes the children 
there; that he has complied with a request from some individ- 
uals in Woodbridge to officiate in that town, it being " so evi- 
dent a demonstration of their good disposition to receive the 
doctrine of the gospel from my mouth." He says further that 
a project is on foot to build an Episcopal Church in Wood- 
bridge; and that it is his intention to officiate there once a 



THE EPISCOPALIANS. 1^3 

fortnight during the Summer, and in the Winter to visit 
Woodbridge and Elizabethtown alternately.'"'' 

Oa the 24th of December, 1714, a letter was sent to the Sec- 
retary by the Church at Piscatavvay, making a report of their 
circumstances. It is signed by the two Church Wardens, 
Thomas Wetherel and John Barrow, and ten others. It sets 
forth that a man by the name of Barron had agreed to " build 
a timber Church floor'd and plaistered and furnished with a 
decent communion table and pulpit;" for which he was to re- 
ceive ^100. But some desired a brick Church ; so the agree- 
ment was broken. The brick Church was designed to be 87 
feet in length, 23 feet wide, and the height of the side walls 13 
feet. ^100 had been subscribed. Mr. Barron had already 
delivered to them stone, brick, and lime to the value of ^80, 
of which only about one-half had been paid. The letter con- 
cludes thus : 

" We are a people who are only the first beginnings of a 
Country ; the whole Township which is 16 Miles broad and 10 
Miles long contain but about 100 families, and not many more 
than 10 of those truly affected to the Church, or who live a 
convenient distance tor giving constant attendance on the 
Lord's Day." 

Rev. Mr. Vaughan writes to the Society under date of Sep- 
tember 28th, 1 7 16, concerning the Elizabethtown and Wood- 
bridge Churches. In respect to the claims of the latter, on 
the attention and support of the Society, he says that the in- 
habitants of the town are " chiefly of English and Scotch ex- 
traction, born in New England and Scotland, and bred in both 
places in the greatest prejudice and opposition to the estab- 
lished Church of England;" that up to 1711 they had wor- 
shiped after the manner of the Independents and Quakers; 
but at that time some of them " being deeply scandalized and 
much offended with the irregular life and conversation of Mr. 
Nathaniel Wade their then congregational teacher " (this is 
Mr. Vaughan's language), they sent him the following invita- 
tion : 



* Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 35T. 



124 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

" Sir the unhappy difference between Mr. Wade and the 
people of Woodbridge, is grown to that height, that we cannot 
joyn with him in the worship of God as Xtians ought to do, 
it is the desire of some people here that. if you think it may 
be for the Glory of God, and no damage to other Churches, 
that you would be pleased to afford us your help sometimes 
on the Sabbath days, according as you shall think convenient ; 
we do it not with any intent to augment the difference among 
us, but rather hope that with the blessing of God, it may be a 
means for our better joyning together in setting up the true 
worship of our Lord Jesus Christ, here amongst a poor delu- 
ded people, this is the desire of your humble servants, 

"Rich. Smith, John Ashton, Benj. Dunham, 

"Amos Goodwin, Gershom Higgins, Henry Rolph, 

" John Bishop, Will'm Bingle, George Eubancks, 

" Robert Wright." 

Mr. Vaughan quotes this invitation entire in the report to 
the Secretary of the Society in England, September 28th, 1716. 
From 17 1 1 until about' 17 16 services were sometimes held by 
him in a house offered by Benjamin Dunham, and sometimes in 
the new Church, which he almost immediately began to build. 
This Church was never finished, but services were neverthe- 
less held in it when the weather would permit. Vaughan 
says of it that it is " probably the smallest you have ever seen, 
but amply sufficient for the congregation at this day." Where 
the building stood which Benjamin Dunham offered for 
religious worship we cannot tell, but probably it was situated 
somewhere within the precincts oi Dunhamtown, just north of 
the Meeting-house Green. The little Church stood on the 
Green, north of the Meeting-housb, occupying a lot granted, 
by general consent, to the Episcopalians. 

Mr. Vaughan continues his letter by stating that he sent to 
the Governor of the Province [Hunter] soon after the above 
invitation readied him, for a license to build a Church at 
Woodbridge, and that the Governor had graciously given it 
and subscribed ^^5 toward the enterprise. Of the location of 
the new Church, Vaughan says, it is situated " upon a piece 
or lot of ground appropriated in the first settlement of the 



THE EPISCOPALIANS. 



125 



town for that use and purpose by the prudent and pious care of 
Philip Carteret, Esqr. and the Governor of the Province of 
New Jersey under the then Lds Proprietors, John Ld Barclay 
and Sir George Carteret." The death of Benjamin Dunham 
is spoken of as having a depressing effect upon the congre- 
gation, the completion of the Church being prevented by the 
sad event. Benjamin was the son of Jonathan Dunham, the 
Woodbridge miller, and was a man of considerable wealth 
and influence. His demise was, therefore, a misfortune to 
the struggling Church from which they did not speedily 
recover. 

Under date of July 8th, 1717, Mr. Vaughan writes to 
England that no Church has yet been built at Piscataway. 
He says he now lives there, having removed from Amboy. 

Rev. Mr. Halliday, in a letter written on the 9th ot October 
following, states that he has agreed with Mr. Vaughan to 
attend, jointly with him, Elizabethtown, Piscataway, Wood- 
bridge, Amboy, and Freehold. 

On the ist of August ensuing Mr. Halliday reports to the 
Society as follows: "In Woodbridge there is a timber Frame 
clap boarded without either floor or glass ; it was built by a 
subscription procured by Mr. Vaughan which was near a 
^100 — money very well laid out though there is but a small 
congregation belongs to it. The ground on which it stands 
was given by Governor Cartwright [Carteret] to the Church 
for Parsonage, &c., on which land there is no considerable 
improvements, new brick buildings, &c., and Fll procure a 
copy of the Deed and send it to your Secretary." 

It is probable that the plural, "buildings," is a mistake. 
The "new brick building" may be the Dunham mansion on 
the edge of the Meeting-house Green. This building is now 
Episcopalian property, which was not the case when Hallidav 
wrote; so that he was, doubtless, referring to tlie improve- 
ments on the Church-land and the contiguous property, to 
indicate its value. 

Some, who have thought it improbable that a building was 
erected by the Episcopalian Church at that early period, will 
undoubtedly be convinced, by the foregoing testimony, that 
it was actually constructed. To "make assurance doublv 



126 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

sure" we subjoin an extract from a letter, dated September 
22d, 1764, written by James Parker, the printer, than whom 
no more honorable man is mentioned in these pages. He 
lived in Woodbridge at this time and held the office of Justice 
of the Peace. He says : " I remember a very small Church or 
building was standing in this village about forty-five years 
ago, and divine service was sometimes performed in it ; but 
the number of members were so few, and these but poor, the 
building fell to the ground." 

As Parker was a member of the Episcopal Church, acting 
occasionally as lay-reader in the Woodbridge congregation, 
and as the letter from which this extract is taken was sent to 
the authorities ot that Church in England, no doubt can exist 
that the building he refers to was the first Episcopal Church 
in this place. 

Mr. Halliday mentions, in the same letter which we were 
considering before this digression, that a frame structure had 
been put up at Piscataway, but the congregation worshiped 
in a "country house." He says that there is no glebe or 
parsonage house in the Province for the Episcopal clergy, 
nor any local support, pecuniarily, except at Elizabethtown, 
where a salary of ^30 annually is paid. He complains that 
Mr. Vaughan had been the cause of the agreement being 
broken between the Piscataway congregation and Mr Barron 
for the building of a wooden church. Mr. Vaughan wanted 
a brick church, which was never erected, and his breaking the 
agreement had retarded the building of the other. 

No very friendly feeling existed between these men, Hal- 
liday and Vaughan. They both, however, did a great deal 
of good in the communities where they ministered which 
will never be forgotten. While we state unpleasant facts, 
without color, Ave cast the broad mantle of Christian charity 
over them. If we consider the asperities of a missionary life 
in that early time, the long years bringing more shadow than 
sunshine, the multiplied annoyances, the successive disap- 
pointments, the bitter cup of poverty pressed to the lips as 
age and feebleness came on, the long rides to service, the care 
of dependent ones — ah, well! it does not behoove us to sit in 
judgment on such men as these. It would make your heart 



THE EPISCOPALTANS. I27 

throb with pity to read some of the letters of the missionaries. 
The Church doors were closed against Mr. Halliday in 
Woodbridge and Amboy at the instigation, so it was asserted, of 
Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Talbot, the latter also a missionary. 
The truth of the matter is, that Mr. Halliday had espoused 
certain political sentiments, having for their object the 
supremacy of the Church of England in tlie Colonial Gov- 
ernment and the repression of the Quakers, who were rising 
in power ;^' and this gave great offence to the Woodbridge 
and Amboy congregations. George Willocks, at Amboy, 
was the leader of this opposition, whom Mr. Flalliday de- 
nounced publicly — asserting that he had dishonestly used 
certain funds which had been collected for building a Church. 
The people who had hitherto borne with him were filled with 
indignation. He became unpopular. Gov. Hunter speaks of 
him, in a letter to Willocks, as ''that wretch," and Avishes 
'' the countrey could get ridd of him at any rate."f Hence the 
Church doors in Woodbridge and Amboy were shut against 
him. Mr. Vaughan expresses his regret at this proceeding, 
in a letter to England dated November 4th, 171S. He re- 
grets, also, that it should have been said that it was done 
by the express order of himself and John Talbot; but he 
thinks the punishment well deserved for "his base and bar- 
barous treatment of Mr. Willocks." 

Mr. Halliday continued to officiate at Piscataway.| His 
rupture with the two Churches, related above, occurred in 
the Summer of 1713, and he remained in the Province until 
about 1 7 18. 

Rev. William Skinner was sent, by the "Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel," and arrived at Perth Amboy 
in 1722. Under date of March 7th he writes to the Secretary 
that "the congregation at Piscatoqua also grows dail}^ and 
they are now building a Church there, and in all probability 
will be as numerous a congregation as any in these parts. 

* "'' I have preached but once at Woodbridge, for 
the Church there, being made up of Clapboards nailed 
together in a very sorry manner, and nothing done to the 

* Whitehead's Hist. Contr., p. 216. t Wlalehcad, p. 2IT. t It.id. 



12$ WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

inside, one can hardly be in it any space of time in the winter 
without imminent danger. Those that raised that Church 
are dead some years and the place being Avithin four miles of 
Amboy, those of the Church of England which are there 
but three attend here [at Amboy] but so soon as the season 
will permit I design, God willing, that Sunday I preach at 
Amboy to preach at Woodbridge in the afternoon, hoping 
some people at Amboy will be so religiously disposed as to 
accompany me till such time as, by the blessing of God, I 
can glean a congregation there ; and though I have but little 
hope of finding acceptance with a New England people, by 
which that place is chiefly settled, yet I am resolved to try, 
trusting in Providence for success." 

This is additional evidence of the existence of an ancient 
Episcopal Church — although Mr. Skinner's description of it 
is anything but flattering. 

On the 22d of May, 1724, he writes to the Secretary that he 
still preaches at Woodbridge. There is a "handsome chapel " 
at Piscataway where the number of communicants is eighteen 
or nineteen. On the 7th of October following he writes that 
he has a congregation of "about 50" at Woodbridge, but 
"almost all dissenters and violently attached to the New 
England scheme." He says he lived at first in Amboy, but 
had removed to the other side of the river. 

In a letter written July 5th, 1749, he states that the Church 
at Piscataway is crowded with antipedobaptists. He must 
have been highly appreciated by the Baptists, as well as by 
his own people, for in May, 1741, he reported that he preached 
every third Sunday in the Piscataway chapel, and his congre- 
gation numbered from 200 to 300 persons. 

Mr. vSkinner died, aged 70, in 1758. For thirty-five years he 
had been rector of St. Peter's Church at Amboy, serving the 
Woodbridge and Piscataway congregations also, as we have 
seen. There was another place at which he ministered dur- 
ing the Summer of 1749, and perhaps subsequently, of which 
he thus speaks : 

"Now is my time of trial. In this extraordinary dry and 
hot summer, hitherto, since Whitsuntide, I have gone, and to 
the end of October must go, to South River every Sunday. 



THE EPISCOPALIANS. \2<) 

In doing which I must cross a river almost two miles broad, 
and that done, ride twelve miles in the sand, equally scorch- 
ing with those of Arabia, and not a house by the way except- 
ing one by a saw-mill, and that good for nothing. This 
is hard service at the present time of day with me, for I am 
old and also mucli w^orn out." 

He left five children. Gertrude, the only daughter, became 
the wife of James Parker. Cortland, his eldest son, was 
made a British General during the Revolution. The venera- 
ble clergyman -was buried in the shadow of old St. Peter's 
Church, but- the precise place of his rest is unknown. 

Rev. Thomas B. Chandler, of Elizabethtown, began his 
missionary labors here in 1752 — six years before Mr. Skinner 
died The latter, however, had grown too old to supply 
Woodbridge — which, indeed, neither he nor any other Episco- 
pal clergyman had done for twenty years previous to Mr 
Chandler's arrival. 

Mr. Vaughan, rector of St. John's Church at Elizabethtown, 
having died in October, 1747, left that Churcii without a 
pastor until 1751, w'hen Mr. Chandler arrived from England 
with the necessary credentials. From 1747 until 1751 Chan- 
dler had held the position of catechist, or lay-reader, in St. 
John's Church, being called to it from Woodstock, Conn., 
where he had been teaching school. In 1766 Oxford con- 
ferred the dignity of D. D. upon him. He is represented as 
"a large, portly man, of fine personal appearance," and as 
possessing "an uncommonly blue eye." He liad a " strono- 
commanding voice" and "fine powers of conversation."* 

He ministered monthl}^ at Woodbridge. He wrote to the 
Society in 1752 that the place " has not been visited by any of 
our clergy for upwards of twenty years." During this time some 
of the congregation had attended Mr. Skinner's Church at 
-Vmboy, and otliers had joined dissenting bodies. He speaks 
encouragingly of the future and says that he has seldom less 
than two hundred licarers at Woodbridge, and that tiie 
number of Episcopalian families there is fifteen. 

His time being more occupied in a few years, Mr. Chandler's 



* Ilattl -Id'a Eli;;nbplli, p. 551. 
I 



ISO 



\V(;<)I)I!RIl>(;i-: AND VitlNI'jy. 



visits were made once in six weeks. In the interim James 
Parker acted as lay reader (jn the Sabbatli. 

In 1754 a new Churcli was built, supposed to be on the site 
of the first, whicii stood for over a Imndred years, an honored 
temple. It was destroyed by fire in 1858. Fortunately, Mr. 
Whitehead made a sketcii of it several years before the 
buildini^- was burned, vv'hich, throug-h his kindness, we pre- 
sent to our readers. 




It was a plain, uii|)rclcnd!no- structure whiclj many of our 
citizens h.ivc seen — a number of whom have a tender rec- 
ollection of it as their early sanctuai'v. But it has gone like 
many other pleissant thing-s we knew and hjved in childhood, 
reminding us tiiat []\c true temple is "eternal in the heavens;" 
that we nuiv bear oui' worship tliitiicr, to the " iiouse not made 
with hands." 

In 1764 Rev. Robert McKean, tiie missionary at Amboy, 
was appointed U) lake ch.arge of the Woodbridge congrega- 
tion. Mr. Chandler continued his labors in Elizabcthtown, 
but brcjuglit much misery upon himself as well as general 
unpopularity bv his Tory sentiments during the Revolution. 



rm; ri'iscoi'Ai.iANs. 



131 



He fled to England. After the war was over lie returned to 
his parish; but, being feeble, he did not long minister to his 
people. lie died June rvtli, 1790, aged sixty-four.* 

Mr. McKean wrote to th(; JSociety April i6th, 1764, that he 
devoted one-third of iiis ministerial services to Woodbrido-e. 
He reports twelve families, c<)mprising fifty persons, as his 
congregation, and fourteen communicants. 

He died October 17th, 1767, having officiated at Amboy for 
four years and at Woodbridge for three. lie was hio-hly 
esteemed. His brother, Gov. McKcan, of Pennsylvania, raised 
a monument over his grave. 

The Woodbridge congregation was niaterially affected, some 
tinie previous to this (in 1760), by that malignant visitant, the 
small-pox. It was a time of deep affliction, for many estima- 
ble citizens fell under the dreadful scourge. Mr. Chandler 
was a victim, and, altliough it did not prove fatal in ids case 
lie bore the marks of the disease until death. 

James Parker had officiate<i as lay-reader in the Wood- 
bridge Churcli for several years. He wrote a letter to the 
Society, dated September '32d, 1764. six years before his death, 
in which he complains of the liostility of the "dissenters" 
toward the Episcopal Church. There was hostility on both 
sides — of that there can be no doubt. Speaking of jijs services 
as lay-reader Mr. Parker writes thus j^leasantlv: 

"It pleased Providence to have given me abilitv to perform 
the service. I freely undertook it, and, as I supposed, to the 
general satisfaction of the congregation. I liave continued 
it as well as my poor ability wotdd permit to the present 
time, and I can say for myself it has been a real pleasure to 
me to see any of my endeavors acceptable or any wav ap- 
parently useful in propagating true religion and piety. I 
neither wish nor hope for ariy other reward in this life, as it 
will be more than a compensation if I meet with any in the 
next — for though I can trust to the promises of the blessed 
Jesus, yet I at best fall far short (jf my duty. It hath pleased 
God to gather and increase the C'hurch here a little, though 
the chief of us being old can't hope long to continue: not- 



* Ilatfiokl, M). 



132 WOODBRIDCE AND VICINITY. 

withstanding, our children, we hope, are growing up in the 
same patli." 

What a delightful Christian spirit breathes through these 
lines ! 

Rev. John Preston succeeded Mr. INIcKean at Amboy and 
Woodbridge — Mr. Bingley serving as lay-reader at the latter 
place, in the absence of the minister. On the 6th of Decem- 
ber, J 769, the Church Charter was granted, in which are 
natucd as Wardens, Samuel Jacjues and Samuel Tingley; as 
Vestrymen, David Alston, Thomas Hadden, Joseph Donham, 
and Ebenezer Forster. 

In 1770 much ill-feeling was exhibited between the Episco- 
pal and Presbyterian congregations. The Episcopalians made 
an effort to obtain possession ot more of the land wliich had 
been set apart lor the support <.A' the Ministrv in the settle- 
ment of Woodbridge than tliey at present enjoyed. Mr 
Preston did not favor the movement just then; so the matter 
remained quiescent until 1774, when a vigorous prosecution 
against the Presbyterians in the Courts was inaugurated. 
The Revolution, however, checl-ced all legal proceedings. 

During the stormy scenes of tlie war services in the Episco- 
pal Church at this place were abandoned. Rev. Abraliam 
Beach was missionary at Piscataway,,and complained in 1777 
that his Church was used as a soldiers' barrack, part of a 
regiment occupying it. He was dreadfully annoyed (so he 
writes to the Society) by liis horses, sheep, and cattle being- 
driven off. under date of May ist, 1777, Mr. Preston writes 
to England that his Woodbridge Jiock is scattered bv the war, 
and he tiiinks the mission tiiere is destroyed. 

Very little was done toward restoring the services utUil 
i8io. Missionaries occasicjually visited the jiarish, but thev 
were irregular and infrequent in their visits. In the vear just 
mentioned repairs to the amount of $500 were made to tlie 
Church, mostly by contributions from other places. The 
Wardens were Daniel Terrill and David Dunn; the Vestry- 
men, Barry Strangman, Wm. P. Terrill, Elias Marsh, John 
Jaques, James Smith, Alston Bishop, and Edward Mundy. 
Tiiomas Barron was Clerk.* From iSio to 1830 Rev. James 

* Trinity Churcli Uocord, p. 1 



THE EPISCOPALIANS. 



13: 



Chapman, of Perth Amboy, sometimes officiated. Rev. 
Francis H. Cuming served the parish during 1818 and 1819. 
In 1830 the Wardens were William Taylor and Henry Mun- 
dy; the Vestrymen, Geo. A. Hollister, Dr. Matthias Freeman, 
Samuel Barron, John Barron, Daniel Terrill. From 1830 to 
1S38 Rev. Wm. Douglas ministered at St. James', Piscataway, 
and at Trinity, Woodbridge. In 1S3S Rev. Frederick Ogilby 
Avas at Trinity, having accepted the Rectorship December 22d 
of that year. He continued the pastor until January ist, 1842. 
On the 1 2th of January the Rev. Hamble J. Leacock was 
called, and he accepted the charge. He served one year. 
From 1843 to 1857 the Rev. James Chapman performed mis- 
sioraary service in tlie parish. From 1858 to 1862 Rev. E. A. 
Hoffman ministered here. Rev. Mr. Chapman died in 1857, 
when Rev. Mr. Pierce, rector of St. Paul's Church at Rah- 
way, performed an afternoon service at Woodbridge, assisted 
by Rev. Wm. R. Earle, at that time a lay-reader, until Mn 
Hoffman came. In 1862 Rev. P. h. Jaques became pastor; 
in 1869 Rev. R. C. Mcllvaine succeeded; in 1872 Rev. J. A- 
Penniman iollowed ; in October of the same year Rev. T« 
Lewis Banister, the present rector, assumed the pastorate. 

In 1836 the Church was whitewashed on the outside and 
repaired. Trees were planted in the yard, to beautify it, in 
1839, and a bass viol and a new stove were procured. In the 
Summer and Fall of 1842 the building was "thoroughly 
repaired," new seats added and a Vestry-room built. 

The burning of the old Cliurch on Sabbath, March 7th, 
1858, was followed by a vigorous effort to re-build. The old 
timbers were drawn out of the ruins and sold, contributions 
were solicited from all quarters, a pastoral letter urging the 
need of assistance for the stricken congregation was issued by 
Bishop Doane — and all things presaged a speedy resurrection 
of Trinity Church. Some wished to have the old site as a 
burial-ground in perpetuo, and to build in the heart of the 
village. This was strongly opposed, and, after some discus- 
sion, was voted down. On the same site, therefore, rose the 
third Episcopal Church, the corner-stone of which was laid 
July 7th, i860, with appropriate ceremonies. It was fully 
•completed and duly consecrated on Whitsun-Monday, May 



134 WOfJDBKnXIK AND \' IC UN' 11' Y. 

2oth, iS6i. by the Rt. Rev. W. II. Odenlieimer, Bishop of the 
Diocese of New Jersey. The Revs. Dr. Ogilby, Hofi'man, 
Pound, Ilomans, Crews, and Dunn participated. It is a 
brick, Gothic edifice of moderate dimensions. 

On the day of consecration a beautiful paten was presented 
to the Church, thus inscribed ; " Tlie Gift of Christ Church, 
Elizabeth, X. J., to Trinity Church, Woodbridge, N. J., Wiiit- 
sun-Monday, 1861." 

In 1S69, it being one hundred years from tlie date of the 
Churcli Charter, a centennial service was held, on which 
occasion an elegant cup was given, bearing the following 
inscription: "In memoriam. Revo C. Ilance to Trinity 
Church, Woodbridge, N. J., December 6, 1869." An old cup 
is still in possession of the parish authorities, on which is 
engraved: "The Gift of Maiy Dennis, Widow, to Trinity 
Church in Woodbridge, December ye 25th, 1760." 

The following is a correct list of the Wardens and Vestry- 
men from 1810 to 1862, the dasli between the years indicating 
the time of their continuance in office: 

WAR])F.NS : 

Daniel Terrill, 1810-14; 1817-29; 1S35-38. 

David Bunn, 1810-11. Nathan Bunn. 1812-14. 

Wm. P. Terrill, 1S15-1S. Elias xMarsh. }8i5-i6. 

John Langstaff, 1819. Geo. A. IloUister, 1S20-26; '35. 

Jas. Jaques, 1827-29. Wm. Taylor, 1830-34; 1839-44. 

Henry Mundy, 1830. 

Edward Mundy, 1831-34; 1S36-3S; 1845-49. 

Henry Campbell, 1836-37. Rene Pardepus, 1839-42. 

Alanson Newton, 1842-58. Charles B. Reed, 1850. 

Jotham Coddington, 1851-62. l.orrain I'^-cemaii, 1859-62. 

\KsrRVMKX ; 

Barry Strangman, 1810-13. Wm. P. Terrill, 1810-14. 

Elias Marsh, 1810-14. John Jaques, 1810-13. 

James Smith, 1810-22. Alston Bishop, 1810-16. 

Edward Mundy, iSio-29. Wm. Hanham, 1814-17. 

James Parker, 1814-15. Thomas Barron, 1814-1S. 
Frederick riuflfmaster,i8i5-i6. Geoi-ge Bradshaw, 1816-20. 

Daniel Terrill, 1816-18. Elias Marsh, 1817-18. 



rUF. KPlSCOfAI.IANS 135 

James E. Parker, 1817-22. Cai)t. Forbes, 1817-18. 

William Ilerro'l, 1817-18. Wm. P. TeniH, 1817-2.4. 

Barry Stranoman, 1819-21. Melancilion Freeman, 1819-24. 

William Taylor, 1820-30. Samuel P;irroii, 1820-28. 

Abel Clarkson, 1821-23. Charles Young-, 1822-23. 
James M. Brewster, 1823-24. David E. Paton, 1823-24. 

John Brentnall, 1824. Wni. H.irrujt. 1824.. 

During' 1825 and 1826 no elections are recordetl. 

Nathan Harned, 1827-29. Josiah Dunh im, 1827-28. 
Dr.Matthias Freeman, r827-3 1. James I:?unn, 1827. 

John Barron, 1829-31. Creo A. llollister, 1830-34. 

Samuel Barron. [830. Daniel renill, 1830. 

Robert Lee, 1830. Orrv Ride, 1831. 

James Clarkson, 1831. II. Barkaloo, 1832-34. 

Wra. Taylor, 1832. II. Ellweli, 1832. 

Joseph Barron, 1835-37. Henry Cam[)l)ell, 1835-39. 

William Taylor, 1835-3S. R(jbert Fee, 1835-36. 

James Parker, 1S35. Joseph Marsh, 1835. 

Andrew Bell, 1835. C. A. Forbes, 1835. 

Geo. A. Flollister, 1836. Edward Mundv, 1836-37. 

John Zellar, 1836. George Jones, 1836-37. 

William E. Fink, 1836. Joseph Marsh, 1837. 

Rene Pardepus, 1837-38. Thomas Marsh, 1837. 

Alanson Newtcjn, 1837-42. LeClair, 1837-38. 

James Jones, 1838. Isaac Jones, Miller^ 1838-46. 

Geo. A. Hollister, 1838-46. Frederick Smith, 1839-40. 

John M Tufts, 1839-41. Capt. C. A. Forbes, 1839-43. 

Wm. H. Benton, 1839-54. P. B. Pope, 1839-40. 

Jotham Randolph, 1839-40. William E. Fink, 1840-58. 

Dennis Mawbey, 1842-50. John M. Tufts, 1843-44. 

Frederick Smith, 1843-52. Clark, 1843. 

Charles B. Reed, 1847-49. Jotham Coddington, 1S50. 

Wm. W. Mawbey, 1851-58. William Bedman, 1851. 

Charles B. Reed, 1852. George Lasslett, 1853-62. 

James Luckhurst, 1853-55. Wm. Bedman, 1855. 

John Manning, 1856. George HoUister, 1856-58. 

J. H. Campbell, Jr., 1857. Henry W. Holton, 1858. 

Henry Mawbey, 1858. Milton Arrowsmith, 1858-62. 

William , 1858. William II. Benton, 1859-61. 



136 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

James Bloodgood, 1S59-62. Samuel A, Meeker, 1860-61. 
George C. Hance, 1861-62. Daniel Shaw, 1861-62. 

And here we close the story of this useful body of Chris- 
tians, earnestly praying that a period of greater spiritual 
triumphs and much larger financial prosperity may mark their 
future career than tlie}' have ever enjoyed " in the days which 
are gone." 



CHAPTER XII. 

Township Officers from 1668 to 1700 — Deputies — Town 
Clerks — Constables — Court Officers— Military Of- 
ficers — Overseers of Highways — Rate-makers — Rate- 
gatherers — Other Officers. 

Before entering upon the general history of the town again, 
Ave give lists of the officers from the year 166S to 1700. These 
tables have been taken very carefully from the records. In 
what they differ from previous tables we are ready to show 
good authority. 

I. Deputies to the General Assembly. 
1669 Robert Dennis — Samuel Moore. 
1670-1 John Smith — Samuel Moore. 

1672 John Smitli — Robert Dennis. 

1673 No election. 

1674 John Pike — Ephraim Andrews. 

1675 Samuel Dennis — Thos. Bloomfield, Jr. 

1676 Matthew Bunn — Ephraim Andrews. 
1677-79 No elections on record. 

1680 Samuel Dennis — John Ilsly. 

1681 No election. 

1682 Samuel Dennis — Ephraim Andrews. 

1683 Samuel Dennis — Samuel Moore. 

1684 John Ilsly— John Pike, Jr. 

1685 John Ilsly — Capt. J. Bishop. 

1686 John Ilsly — Ephraim Andrews. 

1687 Ephraim Andrews — Ezekiel Bloomfield. 

1688 Samuel Dennis — Samuel J^Ioore. 
1689-91 No elections recorded. 

1692 Ephraim Andrews — John Ilsly. 

1693-4 Thomas Thorp — John Pike. 

^695 Jolin Ilsly — Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. 

1696-7 John Ilsly— John Pike. 



138 wo u)Bridg'j: a\d vicinity. 

1698-9 Samuel Dennis — John Pike. 
1700 Jolm Worth — Thomas Pike. 

II. Towx Clerks. 
-1668 Joshua Pierce. 
1669-168S Samuel Moore. 
1688-1C92 Samuel Dennis. 
1693-1711 Thomas Pike. 

III. Constables. 
In the years left blank we find no election? recorded. 

1669 John Smitli. 

1670 Richard Worth. 
1671 

1672 Thomas Bloomfield, Sr. 

1673-4 

1675 John Pike, Jr. 

1676-7 

167S Samuel Bacon (see Records, p, 214). 

1679 

1680 Samuel Hale. 

1681 Israel Thornell. 

1682 Matthew Moore. 

1683 Isaac Ta})peu. 

1684 Samuel Smith, 

1685 Ezekiel Bloomfield. 

1686 Nath'l Fitz Randolph — Obadiali Avers. 

1687 John Warlock— John Allen. 

1688 Daniel Robins — Francis W;ilker. 

1689 lilisha Parker — Robert Wris^lit. 

1690 Tliomas Thorp — Thomas Pike. 

1691 jolm C'ong-er — ( ja\ven Lockhart. 

1692 Matthew Moore, Jr. — John Coddington. 

1693 Samuel Moore — Noah Bishop. 

1694 Daniel Tiiorp — William Ellison. 

1695 John Robison — Joseph Rolf. 

1696 Thomas Collier — Richard Skinner. 

'697 John Mores — John Compton — Stephen Tuttle. 

1698 Joseph Thor[) — Jo-hn Ilsly, Jr. 

1699 William Mores — Obadiah Avers. 

1700 Peter Elstone — Samuel Dennis, Jr. 



TOWXSHIP OFFICERS. 139 

IV, Township Court. 

1 . Presidents : 
1669-71 John Pike. 
1672-74 Samuel Moore. 
1675-85 John Pike. 
1686-7 Samuel Dennis.^' 
168S ■1700 Capt. John Bishop. 

2. Assistant Justices. 

1669-70 John Bishop, Sr. — Stephen Kent, Sr. — S. Moore. 

167 1 John Smitli — J. Bishop, Sr. — J. Martin — S. Moore. 

1672 John Smith — John Pike — John Bishop, Sr. 
1673-4 No record; the Justices of 1672 doubtless served. 

1675 J. Bishop, Sr. — Thos. Bloomfield, Sr. — S. Kent, Sr. 

— Samuel Moore. 

1676-9 No record. 

1680 Ephraim Andrews — John Ilsly— J. Bisliop, Jr. 

1681 Samuel Moore. 

1682 E. Andrews — Sam'l Bacon — J. Ilsly — J. Bisliop, Sr. 

1683 Capt. John Bishop — Sam'l Dennis — Sam'l Hale. 
1684-6 No record. 

1687 Capt. J. Bishop — S. Hale — E. Andrews. 

168S John Ilsly— Nath'l Fitz Randolph. 

1689-91 No record. 

1692 N. Fitz Randolph— J. Ilsly— Samuel Hale— S. 

Dennis. 

1693 J. Ilsly — E. Andrews — N. Fitz Randolph. 
1694-1700 No record. 

3. Marshals or Sergeants of the Court. 
1670 Richard Worth. 

167 1-2 Samuel Hale. 

1673-5 •'^o record. 

1676 Samuel Moore — Samuel Dennis. f 
1677-S1 No record. 

1682-85 Joshua Bradley. 



* Wo are not positive that Mr. Dennis held this position in 16S6-T, but juilj.'e so from tho 
minutes of the " Governor and Council," p. 143. 

t In leTeS.nmnel Moore was chosen Marshal, and, shortly after, Mr, Dennis was elected Ser 
geaiit. The latter title was used ever after. 



140 W(.)0DER1DGE AND VICINITY. 

1686 No record. 

1687 Thomas Collier. 
1688-91 No record. 

1692 Samuel Mors — Daniel Robbins.* 

1693 Tiiomas Collier. 
1693-4 Jolm Bioomfield. 

1695 Isaac Tappen, or Toppan. 

1696-7 Abraham Tappen, or Toppan. 

1697 William Stone. 

1698-1700 No record. 

4. Clerks of t/ie Court. 
1672-5 Jonathan Dunham. 
1676-87 Samuel Moore. 
1688-92 Samuel Dennis. 
1693 Thomas Pike. 

V. Military Officers. 

Captains. Lieutenants. Ensigns. 

1675 John Pike. Samuel Moore. John Bishop. 

1676 John Pike. » John Bishop. 
1677-81 John Pike. 

1682-97 John Bishopjr. Samuel Hale. Jonathan Bishop. 

The Sergeant was one of the military officers, but as he 
served the Township Court as its Marshal, we have placed 
him in the list of Court officials. 

VI. Overseers of the Highways. 
1699 Robert Dennis, Thos. Bioomfield, Sr., Joshua Pierce, 

Samuel Moore. 

1670 R. Dennis, T. Bioomfield, Sr., S. Moore, J. Martin. 

1 67 1 Jonathan Dunham, Thos. Bioomfield, Jr. 
1672-9 N.o record. 

1680 Samuel Dennis, Daniel Robbins. 

168 1 '3 No record. 

1682 Israel Thornell, Ezekiel Bioomfield, Isaac Tappen, 

Marmaduke Potter. 
1684 Capt. Bishop, Sair.'l Smith, Eph. Andrews, I.Thornell. 



' Mors Bcrvod till Marcli, wlien Robbins was appointed. 



TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. I4r 

16S5-7 No record. 

168S John Dennis, Matthew Moore, Samuel Smith. 

1689 Capt. Bishop, Ezekiel Bloomfield, E. Andrews. 

1690 Nath'l Fitz Randolph, D. Robbins, E. Andrews, 

Samuel Dennis. 
1 69 1, '3, '5 No record. 

1692 Capt. Bishop, Isaac Tappen, Jos. Bloomfield. 

1694 Gawen Lockhart, Thomas Pike. 

1696 Capt. Bishop, M. Moore, G. Lockhart, J. Dennis. 

1697 '9 No record. 

1698 N. Fitz Randolph, G. Lockhart, Noah Bishop, John 

Compton. 
1700 Jonathan Bishop, I. Tappen, J. Compton, Wm, Elli- 

son, John Ilsly, Jr. 

VII. Rate Makers [Assessors). 
Tlie years omitted in the table are years in which we have 
found no elections recorded. 
1672 John Smitli, Robert Dennis, Samuel Moore, 

1674 Jonathan Dunliam, R. Dennis, S. Moore. 

1675 John Bisliop, Sr., R. Dennis, S. Moore. 
1679-S0 Capt. Pike, John Bishop, S. Moore. 

1681 Capt. Pike, Capt. Bishop, John Dennis. 

1682 Capt. Pike, John Bishop, S. Moore. 

16S3 J. Pike, Capt. Bishop, Nath'l Fitz Randolph. 

1684-5 Sam'l Dennis, J. Pike, Jr., S. Moore. 

1685 S. Moore, S. Dennis, Israel Thornell. 

1686 S. Moore, J. Bishop, Ezekiel Bloomfield. 

1687 S. Dennis, John Bishop, S. Moore. 

1688 Capt. Bishop, S. Dennis, N. Fitz Randolph. 

1689 J. Pike, Jr., John Rolf, N. Fitz Randolph. 

1691 Capt. Bishop, J. Pike, S. Dennis, Thos. Pike.* 
^693 John Bishop, S. Dennis, T. Pike. 

1694 Jonathan Dunham, E. Andrews, Jonathan Bishop. 

1695 Thomas Pike, Benjamin Cromwell. 

1696 S. Dennis, B. Cromwell, T. Pike. 

1697 B. Cromwell, T. Pike. 

169S B. Cromwell, S. Dennis, T. Pike. 
1700 Elisha Parker, Thos. Pike. 



* See Records, Fitz 11 , p. 24$. 



142 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

VIII. Rate Gatherers {Tax Collectors). 
1670-1 John Bishop, Sr. 
1675-9 Samuel Moore. 

1680 Israel Thornell, Isaac Tappen. 

1681 John Pike, Jr. 

1683 S. Moore. 

1684 Samuel Hale. 

1685 I. Thornell. 
1685-6 Ezekiel Bloomfield. 

1687 I. Thornell, John Ilsly. 

1688 Daniel Robbins. 

1689 E. Bloomfield. 
1691 Samuel Dennis. 
1693-4 E. Bloomfield. 

In the year 1695 the Contables were appointed to collect 
the tax — an arrangement which continued until 1700. The 
salary of a Rate Gatherer was 27 shillings in 1684; 15 shil- 
lings in 1693; and 30 shillings in 1697. 

There were other officers, such as Meat-packers, Al lowers of 
the Town debts. Fence-viewers, Lot-layers, Rangers, etc. 
Grand Jurymen were first appointed in Town Meeting April 
4th, 167 1. Thomas Bloomfield, Sr., and John Martin were 
selected for that year. No other appointments appear to have 
been made until 1676, when John Ilsly and Abraham Toppan 
were chosen. In 1680 John Pike (Sr.) and Matthew Moore 
filled the Grand Jurors' chairs, after which no further mention 
of the Gi^and Jury occurs. 

We presume that Ezekiel Ijloomfield was keeper of the 
Pound for many years, for we read of animals being im- 
pounded very often: but up to 1700, Ezekiel, who was elected 
to that distinguished position in 1692, is the only man whose 
name is used in connection with the office. 

Overseers of the Poor were first chosen in 16S2. Samuel 
Moore and Samuel Dennis were elected at that time, and no 
successors were appointed for many years. 



CHAPTER XIIl. 

1700—1707. 

Provincial Difficulties — Cornfield Landing — Metuchen 
— Pound at Rahway — Dividing the Commons — Bound- 
ary bet\veen Woodbridge and Amboy — Arrears in 
Taxes — Fulling Mill — First Town Committee — Park- 
er's Grist Mill — John Pike Swindled — The Eight 
Divisions of Land — Ancient Woodbridge Described. 
The year 1700 was an eventful one in East Jersey. The 
luthority of the Governor was set at naught, as was shown in 
I previous chapter, and tumult prevailed. The Assembly 
vhich met in May was almost immediately dissolved because 
;he Deputies demanded that Gov. Hamilton should present 
;redentials from the King of England But his commission 
vas given by the Proprietors. As the majority of the people 
vere dissatisfied with Proprietary rule, the Deputies refused 
o acknowledge Hamilton's authority from any such source, 
rhe following minute shows that the Governor was popular 
n this town : 

"At a Publick Town Meeting May ye 6th 1700. By a free 
I'ote of the freeholders freemen and Jnhabitants of this town, 
ind corporation of Woodbridge, (three persons onlv Ex- 
:epted) it was given in Charge to our Representatives that 
;hey Do in General Assembly, who are to Sett the Last thirs- 
iay of this Jnstant May, acknowledge Coll: Hamilton to Be 
Dur present LawfuU Governor." 

But the May Assembly broke up in disorder. Riots were 
general. As we have elsewhere stated, the Woodbridge jail 
vvas violently opened during the previous year; besides the 
•' King's Store," in the same place, was pillaged. "* We pre- 
sume this "store" was tlie magazine — the mob, doubtless, 



Gov. and Council, ji. 227. 



144 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



replenishing their powder-horns and pouches with the stolen 
treasure. The Government threatened the rioters with dire- 
ful penalties ; but it was too weak to inflict much punishment, 
for it was not respected. 

Notwithstanding the commotions which prevailed, the 
Woodbridge people continued to devote themselves to the 
improvement of the town. In the same meeting in which the 
Deputies were instructed to adhere to Gov. Hamilton, an 
order was issued for laying out a " Convenient Highway to 
the Cornfield Landing." It was '• to Run on the Southward 
of John Pike his Now Dwelling House and So to Extend 
Westward to the Road that Leadeth to Piscataway." The 
Cornfield Landing, as our readers are aware, is to-day well 
known as Cutter's Dock. 

Metuchen begins to figure in the record in 1701. John 
Compton was chosen Surveyor of the Highways in " Ma- 
tuching " for that year. Mctnc/icon, ■^x.n. Indian chief, tradition 
declares to have inhabited that section between 1650 and 1700. 
It is asserted that the warrior is buried on a farm near the 
village. Metuchen is, therefore, of Indian etymology, the 
meaning of which is "high hill;" and local authority says 
that it was a descriptive name given by the tribe of Raritans 
because of the undulating character of the country. Hence 
the chief who held sway tliere was called Metuchcon, chief of 
the rolling land.^' 

In tlie January meeting of the town in 1701, Rahway was 
o-ranted the privilege of building a pound. It would seem 
singular if the good people of that thriving city should still 
be dependent on the fiat of the Woodbridge Town Meeting 
for the construction of a pound. 

A division of the common land was publicly discussed 
during the year, preparatory to which the parsonage and free- 
school lands were ordered to be laid out, the committee to do 
it being empowered to " Ley out tlie Same in Such place or 
places as they in their Discression Shall Judge Best, Most 
Convenient, and Beneficialc for the town in General." 

On the loth of Marcli it was voted tliat tlic division of the 

* See Dr. K. M. Uuafs i>anipliU't, " Mctuchfii,'" p. 8. 



TOWN MEETINGS. 145 

commons sliould be but sixty acres of good land to each 
Freeholder. The Piscataway line was ordered to 'be "re- 
newed," from which it would seem that it had at last been 
settled by the two corporations, and the long quarrel was 
ended. The rcue-nml of the line was rendered necessary by the 
transient character of the landmarks. Notched trees, stakes, 
and equally unreliable means ot indicating the boundary were 
largely employed in those days. The renewed line was 
doubtless drawn, with the concurrence of both towns, on the 
24th of March, the time appointed for the purpose. It was 
felt to be a necessity that this should be done betore the 
contemplated division of the common land was effected. 
Throughout 1702 the matter of division was but little agitated. 
Indeed, the Freeholders did not seem to desire any further 
movement in that direction until the convulsions in the 
provincial government were allayed. 

In the meeting of January 29th, 1703, it was resolved that 
no land in the commons should be laid out to any person on 
any pretence, except a grant was first obtained from the town, 
within the following bounds : Along the Rahway River from 
its mouth to Jonathan Bishop's saw-mill, down the south 
branch of the river to Trout Brook, and from thence in a 
straight line to the west side of Stephen Kent's farm on the 
Raritan River. 

A new pound was among the things determined upon 
September 29th, the "old stuff" being condemned to be sold 
to help pay for the improved structure. Pounds, it will be 
observed, received a large share of the public attention. Ani- 
mals v/ere not allowed to walk around the village with 
impunity. 

The boundary line between Amboy and Woodbridge was 
ordered, on the same day, to be definitely fixed; and a com- 
mittee, consisting of John Bloomfield, John Pike, and Thomas 
Pike, was appointed to execute the will of the people, giving 
due notice thereof to the neighboring town. 

On the ist of November the Freeholders met in the meet- 
ing-house. But it was so cold that, having chosen Capt. 
Bishop (the young John) Moderator for the day, they hastened 
over to Samuel Smith's house to warm themselves by his 
J 



146 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

blazing fire and discuss the business before them. It is no 
difficult thing to imagine tlie company gathered about the 
wide and cheerful hearth, and the November wind blowing 
shrilly out-of-doors. Fancy you see, behind the kitchen- 
table, the militai-y man of the town, Capt. Bishop, calling the 
meeting to order. Beside him sits the Town Clerk with this 
very book, bound in sheep-skin as Ave see it now, laid carefully 
under his hand. There are Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, John 
Pike, Jr., Jonathan Bishop, Elisha Parker, and Adam Hude 
among those present. Here, also, is ^Matthew Moore, so 
highly complimented, as a cautious and capable man, by 
Gov, Hamilton in a letter to the Governor of New York 
during the Indian troubles on the frontier,^' A very interest- 
ing group was that assembled in Mr. Smith's house on this 
November morning. 

Fifteen pounds were ordered to be levied in the township — 
;^5 for the local government and ;£\o for the " Countreys 
Concerns." To raise this amount 3^. were assessed to every 
man in the corporation. Town rates had not heretofore been 
very promptly paid. In some cases years were suffered to 
intervene before payment was made by the delinquents; and 
in many instances it was postponed to that mythic period in 
the future which has not yet arrived — the convenient season. 
To stir up such laggards this Town Meeting empowered 
Elisha Parker and Jonathan Bishop as attorneys, with power 
to prosecute and arrest all who were in arrears. These 
attorneys began to work up sundry bad cases. Among others, 
we find that Benjamifl Cromwell was a victim to tlieir zeal. 
On the ist ot January, 1704, he paid to them ^/'i for his 
admission as a Freeman of the corporation; 10s. for ten acres 
of land granted to him at the Wolf Swamp in 1696, for the 
rent of which, during the seven years, he was required to pay 
3^-, 8r/. additional. . 

More strict resolutions were passed February Sth, 1704, for 
punishing trespass and unlicensed felling of trees on the 
public lands, Elisha Parker was chosen Corporation Treas- 
urer, John Cleak was granted twenty acres of land on 

* N. Y. Col. Docs. vol. 4, p. 199. 



TOWM MEETINGS. I47 

condition tiiat he put up his contemplated "fulling-mill" on 
the south branch, of the Railway River. Mr. Cleak, Clake, or 
Clark (poor fellow! he is spelt several ways) agreed to this, 
and the land was laid out March ist, with the further under- 
standing that if he removed or gave up the fulling business 
the twenty acres reverted to the Freeholders. They began tc» 
grow more chary in bestowing real estate. 

%. From this date the minutes of the Town Meetings are less 
full and circumstantial. The years flit by more rapidly as we 
turn the pages of the record. As we grow older Time passes 
with swifter feet ; and thus it seems to be with corporations 
— the weight of age gives tliem momentum onward which 
permits them to note but little in the vanishing years. 

The first Town Couunittce was chosen March 30th, 1705, and 
seven men composed it. They were Capt. John Bishop, Capt. 
Elisha Parker, John \\s\y, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, John 
Pike, Joseph Rolph, and Thomas Pike. They were chosen 
for one year, to act for the town in all matters relating to its 
welfare except the disposition of land and the raising of 
money. 

At this meeting permission was given to Elisha Parker to 
build a "good Grist Mill" on the Papiack Creek, with a 
grant of a piece of land about forty feet square. It was to be 
built as near the bridge as possible. This may have been the 
mill which once stood on the stream just back of Jaques 
Venet's present residence. It has long ago disappeared. 
William Coddington, recently deceased, informed the writer 
that he remembered the old mill that occupied this site — that 
he had, in boyhood, carried grain there to be ground. 

The Town Committee were empowered, on the 34th of 
October, to divide the commons according to their discretion. 
A certain section of this land was to be laid out in equal plots, 
except where the land was poor, when a larger quantity of 
it was expected to offset the more favored places; and at a 
set time lots were to be drawn, with numbers to designate 
the parcels of land correspondingly marked. Sixty acres of 
good land were assigned to each plot. 

A committee was instructed to present certain grievances 
of the town to the next Assembly, in the meeting of March 



148 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

28th, 1706. The Assembly' was tlien expected to begin its 
sessions in the following October ; but the members refusing to 
respond to Gov. Cornbury's proclamation, no sitting of this 
august body occurred in 1 706. ^■•" These grievances were consid- 
ered in the Assembly of 1707. A Capt. Bown had made false 
representations in the Province, asserting that he was a sort 
of financial agent for the Government, by which means he 
privately obtained the promise of large sums of money- 
John Pike had agreed to furnish him witli ^2of through his 
(Bown's) accomplice, Richard Saltar. Others had also been 
victimized by the imposture. These were indignant that the 
government resorted to such means of replenishing its 
treasury, not suspecting that the authorities knew nothing 
about it. Their complaints elicited the truth; and Bown, a 
member of the House of Representatives, was put on trial. 
Samuel Dennis and John Pike were the witnesses fi'om Wood- 
bridge.^ The House voted to imprison Bown temporarily for 
contempt in refusing to depose as to the disposition of the 
money lie had collected — Elisha Parker, one of the Wood- 
bridge Representatives, being the only dissentient. Bown 
was finally expelled from the Flouse in disgrace, April 30th, 

i7o7-li 

The first division of land so-called, though really the sec- 
ond (see p. 308) was made on the 14th of October, 1706, in 
accordance with the previous arrangements. The number of 
lots drawn was sixty-eight, representing the sixty-eight orig- 
inal Freeholders. 

The second division, § comprising twenty-two and a half 
acres to each original Freeholder, was made some time in 
June, 1707. The number of acres was at first limited to 20; 
but for some unknown reason two and a half were subse- 
qviently added. In this division the Strawberry Hill Common 
and certain other sections were to remain unmolested. Straw- 
berry Hill, Papiack Neck, the Parsonage and School lands 
were laid out in "common fields " to be planted with corn. 

The third division of land^ was allotted in July, 17 15, and 
each plot embraced ten acres; the fourth division* (eight 

* Journal Uoine of Rep., \>. 74. Smith, i>. 284. + Journal House of Rep., p» 09. t Ibid., 
9.5. ! Ibi<l., 'J<!. S Kret-holdors" Hook, ful. I. •; Ibid., fol. l'.», 28. * Ibid., 80. 



TOWN MEETINGS. I49 

acres) was made May 8th, 1717; the fifth- was drawn April 
4th, 1720, the dimensions of each plot being about sixteen 
chains long by eight rods broad. The sixth division was not 
drawn by lot, but each representative ot the original Free- 
holders was allowed to take a portion of land not exceeding 
^^15 in value, such land to lie in his own neighborhood. 
This allotmentf w'as ordered January i6th, 1721. The seventh 
division]; w^as drawn by lot, in May, 1734, but the amount of 
the allotment is uncertain. Another division,! the last of 
which any account is preserved, was resolved upon in March. 
1758, the details of which have not been recorded. 

We have, in previous pages, designated localities occupied 
by the first settlers in Woodbridge ; but we now propose 
making the picture of the settlement more complete by 
grouping our facts together. Suppose we take our position 
at the Kirk Green. The queer-looking meeting-house stands 
on the left; the "towm house" (used as a parsonage) is seen 
at the right, a short distance along the western road; Dun- 
ham's house stands on that knoll, north of the green; down 
near the creek is John Smith's house, and close to this is the 
grist-mill with its big wheel moving slowly round dripping 
with the water; before us, opposite the green, on the south- 
east corner of the road, is Samuel Smith's house; near to that 
is Edward Haine's blacksmith shop, from the rude chimney 
of which do w^e not see the smoke curling? Still further on 
is the residence of John Dennis. Across the road (about 
where J. M. Melick's house now stands) is Elisha Parker's 
dwelling, and perhaps if we listen we will hear the noise of 
his shuttle — for he is a weaver. A little to the south of 
Parker's is the prison, a gloomy-looking structure with a 
stockade built around it. Henry Lesenbe lived on the corner 
(where Alex. Edgar now resides), and Samuel Moore kept a 
tavern in the old house which stood where Dr. Freeman's 
drug-store is located. Let us walk along this "back road" 
leading to Uniontown. After passing Mr. Moore's we come 
to Samuel Hale's; Judge Hale, they call him. Then comes 
John Smith, the Scotchman ; then Wm. Compton, the proud 

* Freeholdfrs' Book, fol. SO. t Ibid., 95. * Ibid., 93. J Ibid., 94. 



150 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

father of the first white child born in the town; then young 
Thomas Bloomfield. Tlieir houses seem to have been built 
on the south side of the highway. Now we are at the corner 
of the road. We will turn to the left presently and cross the 
brook (Manning's), but let us glance around before going 
further. 

On the north-east corner is the elder Kent's house;* on the 
north-west is the pound, with squealing pigs, obstinate 
"jadges," and hissing geese; on the south-vvest is John 
Taylor's blacksmith shop. The other corner, as we have seen, 
is occupied by young Bloomfield, whose father owns a house- 
lot just west of the pound, on the north side of the road. On 
the south side, a short distance beyond Taylor's shop (and 
somewhere near William Edgar's house), is to be seen Samuel 
Dennis' house-lot, which adjoins the "Molden Men's lots.'' 
Joshua Bradley's lies west of these, on the same side of the 
highway. 

Who were the " Molden Men"? Gentle reader (that is the 
way authors begin when they get into a " fix "), we cannot 
tell. But we always could give a theory for anything we ever 
heard of, and we are not much nonplussed by our ignorance 
on this subject. Our theory is that these fellows made bricks\ 
— humble predecessors of Wm. H. Berry ct aL; that, in fact^ 
they were juoulding men. The probability is that these lots 
were given to induce them to remain in Woodbridge and ply 
their trade. Whether they discovered and made use of the 
rich clay beds of Woodbridge are matters unknown; but such 
may have been the case. 

We turn to the left and go down to the brook. Behind 
Taylor's shop is Hugh Dunn's lot, then Charles Oilman's. 
Crossing the stream, we find Hopewell Hull's lot on the 
corner (long known as Hollister's Corner). These three 
lots lie on the west of the road. It is probable that Hull did 
not occupy his land very long, and perhaps he did not build 
upon it at all; for he sold it not a great while after it came 
into his possession to Rehoboth Gannit. 

•Stephen Kent, Sr , certainly had a houso here; hut it is said tliat he lived at Ford's 
Corner. No doubt hi had property in both p aoos. Perhaps youn;? Steph-n lived at Ford's 
Corner and old rtt,e,)hen at Woodt)ri<lse in lOfiit. (See pp. 35 and"41 of this voluino.) 
1 The ojiinion, also, of 'J'. II. Morri.s and Jereini.ih Dally. 



'J'OWN MEETINGS. 15 1 

Sirolling- along toward Strawberry Hill we see vacant lots 
on both sides of the highway. The rising ground on the 
right of us is crowned with large lorest trees. The low 
ground on the left is the paradise of frogs, Avhich croak 
melodiously among the tall calamus blades that nod grace- 
fully in the wind. Along here are the house-lots of Israel 
Thornell, Obadiah Ayers, and John Adams. Richard Worth's 
liouse stood somewhere near the present residence of Capt. 
Isaac Inslee. South of his lot a little stream made its way, 
coming from a spring on Strawberry Hill. A narrow cart- 
way Was laid out to skirt Worth's land on the south — in- 
tended, doubtless, to accommodate Adams and Ayers, who 
lived east of the main highway. 

Now, following the road, we begin to ascend the hill. On 
the east is John Pike's residence; on the west is the ground 
allotted to Jedediah Andrews. Two hundred and forty acres 
to the south of us are the property of John Pike. Crossing 
"Spa Spring Brook " we soon stand ii]3on the knoll and look 
in the direction of Perth Amboy. The land immediately 
below us is known among the settlers as Pike's Neck. It is 
that region south ot the well-known "Benton place." 

Let us now retrace our steps. It is September, and the 
Av.eather invites us to ramble; but we have taken a long walk 
and we need a little repose. Shall we sit down under this 
tall wild cherry tree for a tew moments.' Across the way we 
see the bright crimson torch of the sumach and the pale 
yellow flower of the wild flax below it. The early frost has 
changed the sober green of the sassafras yonder to a brilliant 
yellow. The untrained vine that clambers over the fence 
proudly flutters its carnelian hues, and ambitiously stretches 
upward, Avith uncertain motion, one slender branch. Small 
purplish flowers nestle in shady places, and tufted yellow 
stalks dance in the sunshine. 

But we resume our walk and arrive at " Hollister's corner." 
We turn to the east. North of the spot where T. J. & G. W. 
Daily's store now stands were the house-lots of Robert 
Rogers, John Ilsly, and young John Pike. Henry Jaques, 
Thomas Pike, the Bishops, and some others lived in the 
direction of Railway. Daniel Grasie (or Gresy) and William 



152 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Elstone resided somewhere in the neighborhood of the Kirk 
Green — perhaps to the south or south-west of it. John Dilly 
and the two Pierces, with several others, occupied lots across 
the Papiack, on the upland beyond the meadows. 

At the point where we started forth to ramble through the 
ancient town we now arrive. The beautiful green spreads its 
carpet around us and the level acres are dotted with lowing 
cattle and bleating sheep. Yonder, perhaps, wander arm-in- 
arm through the field, two who are oblivious to all but 
themselves; and if the eight o'clock bell is in use here as it is 
in New England, an anonymous poet well describes the scene, 
and gives the loving twain a song: 

" Here, where these low lush meadows lie. 
We wandered in the Autumn weather, 
When earth and air and arching sky 
Blazed grandly, goldenly together. 

And oft, in tliat same Autumn time, 
We sought and roamed these self-same meadows, 

When evening brought the curfew chime. 
And peopled field and fold with shadows." 



CHAPTER XIY. 

1709—1720. 

The Pound Again — Pike vs. Sonmans — Pike & Cutter's 
Mill — Freeholders' Book — Judge Hude — Moses R®lph 
— Strawberry Hill — The Commons — Second Town 
Book — Fourth Division Lots — Ear-marks — Death of 
old Samuel Dennis. 

It will be observed that there is a void of two years in our 
history — from 1707 to 1709 no record being given except that 
of the lot-layers, who were busy surveying and assigning the 
land embraced in the two divisions already made. 

At a Town Meeting, held July 14th, 1709, ^25 for the relief 
of the poor were levied. Thomas Davis was made pound- 
keeper, on condition he "forth with Build a Sufficient 
Pownd," with the following fees : For impounding a horse, 
IS. ; neat cattle, per head, 9//.; a hog, 3^.; a sheep, 2//.; a goose, 
i(/. We fancy Davis must have considered it worth all of one 
penny to drive a goose a mile or two to the pound; and an 
equally pleasant and profitable undertaking it must have been 
to escort thither a pig for three pence — tliough it is barely 
possible that these domestic favorites were not afflicted with 
the obstinate wandering propensities which distinguish their 
descendants. Notwithstanding, we are not prepared to say 
that the office of pound-keeper was a sinecure iu those halcyon 
days, nor can we imagine how Mr. Davis could see his way 
clear to build a pound for nothing with such miserable 
inducements. However, it is none of our business, and pos- 
sibly he became rich in 

'Pounding the geese 
At a penny apiece. 

Peter Sonmans, a quarrelsome citizen of Perth Amboy^ 
havino: laid claim to several acres of common land in Wood- 



154 'WOODBRlDGE AND VICINITY. 

bridge, was sued for its recovery by John Pike in behalf of 
the Freeholders. It proved to be a long and tedious litigation 
— the case not being removed from the Courts until the latter 
part of 1737,* after Sonmans was dead. The name of Peter? 
his son, appears in the place of his father's at the close of the 
suit. It was ended in the Supreme Court, the decision being 
rendered, in default, against the claim of Sonmans. In this 
July meeting a committee was appointed to raise money to 
pay John Pike's expenses incurred by the suit thus far. 

At the same time John Pike and Richard Cutter were per- 
mitted to build a grist-mill "on the North Side of the Ditch 
at the South Side of the Cornfield Landing, and to have So 
Much Land adjoining to the Said Ditch and the Main Creek 
as Shall be for the Convenience of Said Mill So it Doth not 
Prejudice the Said Landing." __ In November these two men 
entered into equal partnership, and in the following year (17 10) 
the mill was built. It has long since fallen, and has been 
forgotten. 

Richard Cutter (or Cotter, as it is sometimes spelt) was, no 
doubt, the progenitor of the family of that name now living 
in Woodbridge. He married Mary Pike, August 20th, 1706. 
Jennet Cotter, a widow, was living in this place in 1689, so 
that it is probable there were others here bearing the name, at 
a period even more remote. 

In the Town Meeting of October 2otli, 17 10, twenty acres 
of common land were allotted for sale to defray the cost of the 
law-suit pending between Pike and Sonmans. Pike and 
Cutter, the millers, were granted a piece of ground in the 
vicinitv of the new mill — the plot not to exceed an acre. 
Richard Soper applied for and obtained permission to put up 
a grist-mill on Kent's Creek. 

During the years 17 11 and '12 nothing of note is mentioned 
and but little recorded. On the 6th of May, 17 13, three 
Sheep-masters were appointed to protect the flocks from 
wolves and dogs, and to prevent the destruction, by the 
sheep, of the growing corn and the grass in the pasture lands. 

With this brief item we pass to the year 17 14. 

■•' i — — ■ 

* Freoliolders' Book, folios 93 aiiil 94. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 155 

The January meeting (28th) was called "by virtue of a 
warrant trom two of Her Majesty's Justices, of the Peace, viz. 
John Pike and Moses Rolph, Esqs." Rolph was now serving 
as Town Clerk, having been elected in the room of Thomas 
Pike on the 3d of March, 1712. "The weather being uncom- 
fortable, " says the record, "the meeting was, by a unanimous 
vote, adjourned to the house of Joseph Oilman." This 
indicates that fires were not yet introduced in the old meet- 
ing-house. We do not know where Joseph Oilman resided, 
but we presume that his dwelling was near at hand. Charles 
Oilman, one of the early settlers in Woodbridge, and one of 
Joseph's kindred, lived on the west side of the road, near 
Manning's Brook, midway between Ensign & Commoss' store 
and Rowland's corner. Possibly Joseph dwelt there in 17 14, 
and the Town Meeting adjourned to that place; but we are 
inclined to think his residence was not so far from the meet- 
ing-house. 

Ensconcing themselves comfortably by Mr. Oilman's fire- 
place, the Freeholders leisurely proceeded to business, which 
was chiefly the appointment of a cpmmittee of four to take 
" special care" of the School Land ; and the gift of two acres 
of land near Richard Skinner's, at Rahway, for building 
a school-house. 

March ist, 17 14, ^15 were appropriated, partly for the |)ur- 
chase of a " town book " and partly for the relief of the poor. 
This Book was bought, and is known as the Freeholders' Book. 
It was re-bound in October, 1868, by order of the Town 
Committee, and is, therefore, in a good state of preservation. 
The first pages are occupied with surveys of the Second' 
Division lots, laid out in 1707, which, of course, were copied 
in the book seven or eight 5'ears subsequent to the dates 
attached to them. The contents throughout are principally 
made up of surveys, but occasionally we find the minutes of 
a Freeholders' meeting. 

In the Town Meeting of March 22d, 17 14, John Bishop, Jr., 
John Pike, Jr., James Clarkson, and John Kinsey protested 
against making any further division of the public land until 
the land already divided was properly assigned. 

John Kinsey and John Moore were chosen, pursuant to an 



156 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

act of the General Assembly, to consult and co-operate with 
the Justices in respect to the building of a "gaol" and a 
Court-house. In the meeting of March 13th, 1716 (which is 
the latest one recorded in the first Town Book), Samuel 
Dennis, Jr., and Daniel Britton were appointed to meet the 
Justices to choose "managers" to "carry on the work of 
building a Prison and Court-House." No traces of these 
buildings now remain, except the obscure ones designated in 
Cliapter III. And yet they must have been important features 
in the legal economy of the township in its early days. 

Here we close the first Town Book and open the second — 
dividing our attention, however, between the latter and the 
Freeholders' Book, because in some particulars they are 
cotemporary. The Freeholders' Book has the minutes of 
several meetings which sliould have been in the first Town 
Book. One of these, dated May 3d, 1714, was in regard to a 
plot of ground of one acre and a half granted to Robert 
Grove, The land was on Reed Brook, "a little below David 
Donham's barn." A committee was also appointed, at this 
meeting, to advise with some legal gentleman as to how the 
F'reeholders could release each other in the division of the 
commons. The same committee was authorized to " run the 
line between Amboy and our town." 

Adam Hude, Justice, presided on this occasion, a man of 
eminent judicial qualities and inflexible integrity. He was 
one of the passengers on the notorious vessel, Henry and 
Francis. He resided at first on Staten Island, but in 1695 he 
came to Woodbridge and became one of its honored citizens. 
He built a dwelling about a mile north of the meeting-house 
and resided there. He and his wife lie buried in the Presby- 
terian graveyard. In 171S Mr. Hude became one of the 
Judges of the Middlesex Court of Common Pleas, soon 
became Presiding Judge, which position he held until 1733, 
and was Master in Chancery at one time, and a member of the 
General Assembly in 1701. He died June 27th, 1746, in the 
eighty-fifth year of his age, leaving two sons and one daugh- 
ter. Robert and James, the sons, lived in New Brunswick 
and became distinguished men. Of the daughter, Agnes, 
little is known.* 



* Whitehead's Contrib. to E.J. Hist., ji. 873. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 157 

At noon on the 17th of May, 17 14, a meeting of the Free- 
holders was held at Moses Rolph's house. Rolph was Free- 
holders' Clerk, and had also been made To^vn Clerk. He 
held the latter position about nineteen years — from 1712 to 

1731- 

The persons present appointed a committee to draw up 
bonds for the signature of all, by which they entered into 
obligations to stand together for mutual protection in case of 
suits at law involving their rights as Freeholders. Seven 
men were empowered to lay out portions of land in different 
parts of the town for commons perpetually, and to devise a 
plan for dividing the rest of the unappropriated ground 
equitably between those holding original claims. Col. Elisha 
Parker, the Township Treasurer, was ordered to pay to 
" Master Will: Rodgers," a boy who wielded, perhaps, a ready 
pen, six shillings for writing a letter of Attorney and a bond. 
Good for Master Rodgers I 

On the Sth of March, 17 15, Papiack Neck and Strawberry 
Hill were decided to be no longer common land, but eligible 
for division lots to be distributed among the Freeholders. 
This action was not popular, however ; and on the i2tli of 
July the town order in regard to it Avas formally repealed. 
After voting for a third division of common land to comprise 
ten acres in each plot, the citizens proceeded to exempt tlie 
following pieces of ground: Strawberry Hill, Papiack Neck 
the Meeting-house Green, the green before Moses Rolph's 
door (this consisted of two acres*), the plot between "Doctor 
Wade's door " and Stephen Tuttle's land, a lane leading to 
Bloomfieid's Spring behind Langstaff's Hill, a plot between 
Justice Hude's and Robert Gilchrist's, "and along by George 
Brown's to a place called ye watering-place, allso a piece of 
land In wch is a Spring Lying North of a place known by 
the name of David Ileslee's'girdled trees;" and a plot between 
Peter Elston's, John Skinner's, Joseph Gray's, and Benjamin 
Rolph's lands. 

Thomas Pike was appointed Lot-layer for the third division 
of commons, with four assistants, viz. : George Brown, Ben- 

* Frciholders' Book, folio 26. 



158 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

jamin Donham, William Ilslee, and John Jaquish. These were 
directed to re-survey the Parsonage and Scliool Lands, in 
addition to their other duties. 

The following item is an extract from the minutes of the 
first recorded meeting in the second Town Book, dated March 
12th, 1717 : ''The overseers of ye Pore shall pay the clerk ye 
sum of fifteen shillings or tJieire aboiig/its to ennable him to by 
a town book." The Town Clerk evinced considerable ingenu- 
ity in spelling thereabouts as our readers will perceive This 
order for purchasing a Town Book was only a reiteration of a 
vote passed INIarch ist, 1714. The fifteen shillings "or theire 
aboughts" were not forthcoming until 171S, four years after 
the first order. Verily, public affairs moved slowly in ye days 
lang syne. A special tax was levied to buy the book, and a 
board of Assessors elected, comprising SaAnuel Dennis, Ichabod 
Smith, Jr., and Moses Rolph. An elegant volume would 
naturally be expected as the product of all this excitement 
and din of preparation; but this plain, dark leather-covered 
book, an inch and a quarter thick, with the faded words, 
"Z//?'. j5.Woodbridg," on the outside, is the result of four years' 
lucubrations. 

On the 19th of March, 1717, all preliminaries were arranged 
for the fourtl"u division of the public land, and special pains 
were taken to make the disposition of plots as fair and equal 
as possible. We find a more minute and satisfactory account 
of this division than of any other, so we shall give the details 
substantially as we read them in tlie Freeholders' Book (folio 

3°)- 

May 8th was the day for the drawing of the lots. It is not 

difficult for us to imagine the impatience with Avhich certain 
necessary business matters were disposed of. Caleb Campbell 
was permitted to draw a lot in consideration of the fact that 
his wife was the first Christian child born in Woodbridge. 
Robert Gilchrist was Moderator for the day. John Parker 
was elected to draw the lots. It was agreed that each Free- 
holder should pay down to Daniel Britton, the town treasurer, 
six shillings and six pence for expenses, immediately on 
drawing his lot. The plots had all been marked out and 
numbered beforehand. The moiliis opcraiuti is fully explained 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 



15 



by this resolution, to wit: " Itt was voated & agred yt ye 
ffreholders should prosede to Draw there sd fourth Division 
Lots: (& accordingly they Did) they being Numbered on 
Little pices of Paper & putt Jnto a bagg & Drawn by John 
Parker according [to] ye fore going voatt: ye sd Lotts being 
Drawn Jn ye Names of ye originall freeholder's." Eight 
acres of good land were to be represented by each slip of 
paper. 

The first lot taken out was in the right of Daniel Pierce. 
It was number nineteen. Plow many jokes Avere perpetrated, 
or astute prognostications derived from this initiatory draft 
cannot be conjectured. Parker again plunged his hand into 
the bag, this time in the right of Joshua Pierce. A moment- 
ary rustling of fugitive bits of paper is succeeded by a jerk 
upward, and, amid tlie profound silence of the group, Parker 
calls out: "No. 42!" Caleb Campbell, who had been so 
fortunate as to marry the first-born native of Woodbridge, 
drew No. 35, wliich proved to be a plot on the road to 
Piscataway. It may be interesting to our readers, so we 
transcribe tlie list of drawings; 



Daniel Pierce 19 

Joshua Pierce 43 

.Tohn Martin, Sr 18 

Hopewell Hull 23 

Hugh Dun 30 

Charles Gilman 8 

Matthew Moore 45 

John Smith, Scotchman 1 

Matthew Buuu 14 

John Ileslee 08 

Abraham Tappen 61 

Isaac Tappen 59 

Robert Deunes 3o 

Joh n Denues 10 

Samuel Denues 49 

Thomas Bloomfield, Sr 47 

John Bloomfield 3 

Henry Jaques, Jr 13 

Stephen Kent 10 

S. Kent, Jr (io 

Daniel Gresey 50 

Richard Worth 39 

John Pike, Jr — 

Jonathan Haines 6 

John Witcher 57 

George Little 3G 

Elisha Ileslee 38 



Obadiah Ayers 50 

Nathan "Webster 13 

George jMarch 51 

Thomas Alger 67 

Robert Rogers 63 

William Compton 35 

John Watkius 65 

Thomas Bloomfield 3 

Samuel Moore 7 

John Smith 28 

Samuel Smith 37 

Elisha Parker 58 

Henrv Jaques 54 

Hugh March 5 

Samuel Hale 31 

Henry Leseube 39 

John Adams 33 

Benjamin Parkes 9 

Jedediah Andrews 36 

Epliraim Andrews 4 

.JohnDille 69 

Daniel Robins 44 

John Cromwell 34 

John Conger 15 

Samuel Bacon 48 

Mr. Le Prairie 31 

John Truem an 00 



i6o 



WOODBRIDGK AND VICINITY. 



Jonathan Dunham 38 

David McKenney 52 

Joshua Bradley 34 

Philip " Cartwright."* 40 

John Alien (56 

Jonathan B ishop 41 

Thomas Adams 64 



John Everit 4(5 

James Clarkson 43 

Thomas Pike 30 

Caleb Campbell 35 

John Bishop, Sr 68 

John Bishop, Jr 17 

John Tailor 37 



It was now nearly fifty 3''ears since the first of these original 
Freeholders had come to Woodbridge. Some of them had 
died, others had moved away. Some had sold their rights, as 
had John Dilly, whose claim was owned by Robert Gilchrist; 
the children of others had inherited their fathers' rights, as 
had the younger Samuel Moore. Of the men who drew in 
their own right as original Freeholders five certainly were 
present on this occasion, viz.: John Bloomfield, John Bishop, 
Jr., Samuel Smith, Thomas Pike, and Stephen Kent, Jr. 
Possibly a few others were there, but it is doubtful. These 
five were all old men; and not many years after, their familiar 
faces were missed from their accustomed haunts in the village, 
and others occupied the homesteads they had built. 

" Thus star by star declines, 
Till all are passed away." 

The minutes recorded in the second Town Book embrace 
the period from 1717 to 1799. One meeting a year, for the 
election of officers, is all we find, except in a few instances. 
A large part of the volume is taken up with the designation 
of the ear-marks put upon cattle to indicate the ownership of 
them. This peculiar record extends from 1720 to 1809, and is 
a good means of showing the number of well-to-do families 
in Woodbridge. Here is an entry in the year 1766 : 

" May ye 2d Azel Roe, ye minister, made Entryey of his Ear 
mark which is a Swallow fork in ye Left ear and two halfe 
penneys under ye Right." 

A rough sketch of the ears is made in each case, with the 
marks plainly drawn on theni. A " Swallow fork " is simply 
made by cutting a piece out of the ear in the shape of an acute 
triangle, the acute angle extending inward. A " half penny " 
is a piece cut out about the size indicated by the term. 



* Oarterot. 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. " r6l 

Leonard Melick records his ear-mark in 1790, and Peter 
Melick enters his in 1802. We find William Berry's entered 
in 1731 ; Joseph Ahvood's* in 1738; Jonathan Harned's in 
1732; Zebulon Pike's in 1732; Jonathan Ilslee's (son of John) 
in 1726; Josepla Oilman's in 1720; John Heard's in 1720; 
Abraham Tappen's in 1721 ; Jonathan Freeman's in 1723; 
Peter Noe's in 1727; William Bloodgood's in 1728; Thoaias 
Hadden's in 1729; Richard Coddington's in 1730; Samuel 
Barron's in 1735; John Morris, Jr.'s, in 1739 — and many 
others might be named in this connection if our space would 
permit. One man, unknown to fame, is written down by the 
Town Clerk as " Jpshaway Rickhow ! " U Joshaway had been 
looking over the scribe's shoulder while this fearful spelling- 
was being done, he might have put an ear-mark on the Clerk's 
ear — a regular "swallow fork" — without the least injury to 
his intellect. 

Turning from the barren records of Liber B, we open the 
Freeholders' Book, and find that, in a meeting of April 7th, 
1 719, another division of the public land was under discus- 
sion. This was the fifth division, which was made April 4th, 
1720 — just a year after the meeting alluded to. 

We are reminded in a minute of the meeting of March 25th, 
1720.1 of the death of the venerable Samuel Dennis, who has 
figured conspicuously in the preceding pages. He died, 
probably, some time between March, 17 15, and the following 
August. Our reasons for supposing this to be the date are 
that, as one of the division lot-layers, his name is attached to 
a survey of a lot March 12th, 17 15, and is omitted in the next, 
made in August ;;j; and that in May, 1717, he is spoken of as 
deceased,^ his son Samuel drawing the fourth division lot in 
his name. As he never resumed his duties as lot-layer we 
take it as strong presumptive evidence that he died in 17 15 — 
and certainly his death occurred previous to May, 17 17. 

He was a prominent public man ; and, as such, it is fitting 
that we pause in our narrative to do him honor. He cam.e from 
New England, probably, with Robert and John, his brothers. 



* Tliis is often spelt " Alward "—see Lib. 15., fulio (>1. t Froeh. Boo"t, fol. 81. ± Freeh. 
Book, fol. 6). § Ibid., fol. 72. 



l62 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

By reference to the lists of township officers in Chapter XII. 
it will be seen that he filled many important positions. He 
was Deputy to the General Assembly in 1675, 1680 to '8^, 
1688, and '98-99. In 1699 he was appointed by Jeremiah 
Basse one of the Governor's Council, a post which he held 
with honor for several years. From 1688 to 1692 he Avas 
Town Clerk of Woodbridge. He was elected to the same 
position in April, 1694, but refused to serve in spite of the 
earnest solicitation of his friends. In the years 1683 and 1692 
\^e find his name in the list of Assistant Justices of the 
Township Court. It would appear, from the minutes of the 
Governor and Council (pp. 143-4), that he was President of the 
Court in 1686-7. While in the performance of his duties in 
the last-mentioned office in 1686, he was arrested, at the 
instance of the Governor, Lord Campbell, for an alleged 
violation of the law in holding a session of his Court in 
Piscataway on the third Tuesday of December. The minutes 
of the Governor's Council, held at Amboy on the 27th of 
December, 1686, contain the following facts in regard to this 
matter. We quote : 

" My Lord gave this Board an Accompt of the Transactions 
of the Justices of the County of Middx in holding a Court att 
the Towne of piscataway the 3d Tuesday in this Instant 
month of December, Contrary to Act of General Assembly 
and the Governors p'ticular proclamation — Whereupon it's 
Agreed and ordered that a warrt bee issued out to the High 
Sheriflfe of the County of Middx, Im'ediately to bring before 
this Councill on tomorrow morneing by Eight of the.Clocke, 
the boddy of Mr. Samll Dennes of Woodbridge, who was 
prsident of that Court, to answer to prmisses," &c.^ 

The next day the officer appeared before the august tribunal 
with the prisoner. He Avas examined as to his offense. He 
admitted that at the time specified he had held a Court at 
Piscataway ; but declared distinctly that he had not acted 
contrary to law. He was given a week to find security in 
;,^3oo to appear at the next session of the Court of Common 
Right at Amboy in May to answer the charge; in default of 
which lie was to be " Close Com'itted to the Gaole of wood- 



TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 1 63 

bridge." It is likely that the Governor found out his mistake 
and discharged the Judge. By the law of 1675 (see Learning 
and Spicer, p. 96), the Governor was right; but by the law of 
1682 (L. and S., p. 229), which virtually annulled the former, 
the y"//<4'''^ Avas right. (See page 113 of this volume.) The 
third Tuesday in December was, in 1682, set down for the 
holding of the County Court at Piscatavvay. 

In the House of Deputies on the i6th of March, 1698, Mr. 
Dennis Avas elected to the Speaker's chair, a post which he 
worthily and honorably filled for a year, when he was taken 
into the Council by the Governor, 

He went down to the grave full of honors, and amid the 
profound regrets of the people he was buried. 



CHAPTER XY. 

1700—1760. 

The Town Meetixg-Housk and the Presbyterian Congre- 
gation — Samuel Shepaku— liis Wife's Decision — Na- 
thaniel Wade — Presbyterianism — The Secession — Sur- 
veys OF Parsonage Land and :The Meeting-House 
Green — Rev. John Pikrso)n — Rev. Nathaniel Whita- 
ker. 
The thread of our luirrative concerning the old Town 
Meeting-house \vas broken off in the inidst of the pastoral 
labors of the Rev. Samuel Shepard (see Chap. VII.). Every- 
thing seemed to be favorable to tlie prolongation of Mr. 
Shepard's ministry. He was popular, having received many 
proofs of the esteem of his Woodbridge friends. In a short 
time, however, one little circumstance was destined to change 
the whole aspect of affairs. On Thursday morning, April 
loth, 1 701, the Town Meeting passed a resolution directing 
that Mr. Shepard should be ordained as the AVoodbridge 
minister; and the following influential men were delegated to 
talk with him on the subject and obtain his consent, viz.: 
Samuel Dennis, Samuel Hale, John Ilsley, Adam Hude, Wm. 
Stone, Gawen Lockhart, John Pike, Jonathan Dunham, Jon- 
athan Bishop, Joseph Rolph, and George Brown. These men 
represented the wealth and intelligence of the town. They 
waited upon Mr. Shepard and urged him to consent to ordina- 
tion as the village minister on the ground of mutual benefit. 
But ordination meant a settlement for life; or, at least, for a 
longer period of service than Mrs. Shepard, the clergyman's 
wife, desired. The committee, therefore, reported that ordina- 
tion could not be thought of", as the lady in question positively 
obiected to it. 

Further actio a was deferred until June 24tli, when Messrs. 
Hale, Andrews, and Lockhart were commissioned to hold 



THE PRESBYTERIANS. 165 

another conference with the preacher, and to present to the 
next Town Meeting a fall report of the result. On the 14th 
of the next month a notice was conspicuously posted, calling 
a meeting on the 23d to hear the report and take further 
action. Accordingly, at noon on Wednesday, the 23d of July, 
the grave men of Woodbridge assembled in the Meeting- 
house. The report of the latter committee was embodied in 
that of the former. Being called upon, the eleven men ap- 
pointed on the loth of April presented substantially the same 
report as was given by them to the meeting of June 24th. 
They said that they had been several times in conference with 
the reverend gentleman on the subject of ordination, but that 
his invariable answer was, that "though he is otherwise will- 
ing to be ordained, he cannot admit of ordination to settle as 
a minister in this town," because " his wife is so adverse to 
his settling here." The committee hinted that " his wife, upon 
second thoughts, might be persuaded." Mr. Shepard replied: 

" There is no hope of my wife's compliance with my settling 
here; and therefore I would advise you to look out for 
another." 

"It will be more difficult," said the committee, "to get and 
settle another minister than it hath been formerly upon 
several accounts, one of which is your being on the most 
convenient place for a minister's dwelling, by the Meeting- 
house." (Mr. Shepard's land lay on the north of the Kirk 
Green and his house was, doubtless, the Town House, voted 
to him in May, 1696. That stood on the west side of the 
Green.) 

"That shall be no hindrance," responded tlie clergyman, 
"to the settling another minister; for let the town but pay me 
my disbursements laid out on the place [where] I live, and 
[they may] settle another on it as soon as they please." 

The other committee said that they had called on Mr. 
Shepard to see if his wife's mind had not undergone a change. 
Vain hope ! 

" When a woman says she will, she will, you m;iy depend on't, 
And when she says she won't, she icorCt, and there's the end on't." 



l66 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Juvenal, horrid fellow ! says that "few disputes exist which 
have not had their origin in woman." However, we confess 
to a liking for Mr. Shepard, because of his abnegation. His 
wife, Alice, did not wish to live in Woodbridge all her days; 
her husband, surrendering his own inclinations for her sake, 
abandoned all his advantages as a settled pastor. Worldly 
wisdom may say it was foolish ; but we say it speaks well for 
his heart, and that it is a good exposition of the text; " Hus- 
bands, love , your wives!" The preacher informed the per- 
sistent committee that his wife w^as " utterly adverse to his 
settling here." He says "he concludes she will so remain" 
if they should "still wait longer for a change of her mind." 
"He therefore adviseth us," says the committee, "to have no 
further dependence on him, but look out for another." 

Considerable debate, doubtless, followed the presentation of 
these facts. The general feeling was one of disappointment. 
It is altogether probable that Mrs. Shepard was unsparingly 
condemned, and that her husband was spoken of as "tied to 
his wife's apron-string." 

The Freeholders proceeded to declare themselves "absolutely 
free from any and all former engagements by them made " 
Avith the minister. A committee was sent to him with this 
information. This committee was also empowered to procure 
a successor to Mr. Shepard "with all convenient speed," and 
close all business relations with the late pastor. Notice was 
sent to him that all improvements hereafter made to the place 
on which he lived should be at his own expense. 

In December of 1702 Mr. Shepard was still in Woodbridge, 
preaching in the old Meeting-house. His salary was paid out 
of the town rates, as of yore, in spite of the protests of the 
Quakers. The following minute appears on the record under 
date of January 3d, 1703: 

" It Passed By Vote that Mr. Shepard Should Be Desired 
to Preach in this Town upon the Saboth Days untill we Can 
Supply ourselves with another Minister." From which it 
appears that the usual fortune befell the Woodbridge. men in 
their hunt after a preacher. So that Mr. Shepard c(jntinued 
to minister to them in holy things until as late as 1705-6,* 

* Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 297 



THE PRESBYTERIANS. 1 67 

perhaps even later. He removed from the place in 1707, 
probably; for his name does not occur, after that date, in the 
records. One child, Joanna, was born to him in Woodbridge, 
December 20th, 1701. After his removal we lose all trace of 
him. Whitehead says he died in 1722 or 1723;* and here the 
curtain falls over the life-story of another historic character 
conspicuous in our village annals. f 

Samuel Hale and Adam Hude were appointed, on the 29th 
of September, 1703, to " Repair the Meeting House and Hang 
the gates of the Burying Place." In October, 1705, -Qt^o were 
levied by the Town Meeting, partly for the relief of the Poor 
and partly for repairing the meeting-house and the grave-yard 
fence. In the March meeting of the ensuing year this sum 
was devoted entire to the Poor, and the dilapidated fence was 
left to its own resources. 

In 1707 the " minister's land and meadow" were rented. 
During this year Nathaniel Wade came to Woodbridge and 
began his ministry. .He was ordained and installed in Janu- 
ary, 1708. The first entry in the Church records, written by 
Mr. Wade himself, is in relation to this fact, and reads thus: 

"January 29th, 1707-8, Was gathered the Church of Christ 
in Woodbridge by Nath. Wade, Pastor. Present there were 
as Messengers, two from ye Church of Newark, and one from 
the (/hurch of Elizabethtown ; Theophilus Pierson, Jonahs 
Wood, Benjamin Price. The foundation of ye Church was 
laid first upon three persons Avho had been Communicants in 
other churches, viz: Sam'l Hail, John Pike, and Noah 
Bishop." 

Here follows a list of the members of the church during 
Mr. Wade's pastorate We give their names below with the 
dates of their admission to the communion: 

1707-8, ! Jan. 20lb— Stephen Tutllc. 

Jan. 29th— Samuel Hail, x\.ssistant. j " John Ford, Deacon. 

" John Pike, " Feb. 28th— Eobert Groves. 

" Noah Bishop, " 1 " Thomas Pike, Deacon. 



*ni8t. C ntr., p. -.SSfi. 

t In tbe list of Marri:ij»es we find tli.at T!lizeu3 Barron and Mary Andrews were married 
by Mr. Shepard Dec. '27, 1705, and he sipna himself "Sainl. Sliepird, Justice " We infer from 
this that be still hved in Woodbridtre and was an officer. later, Timothy Hloomfield aad liose 
HijjguiB flere married by him, April 2, 1707. 



i68 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Feb. 28th— John Ayers, Assistant. 

" Richard Skinnor. 

June 6th, 1708, 

" Joseph Gray. ' 

" Lydia Bishop. 

" Francis Skinei'. 

" 20th— Mattiiew Fors, 
Aug. 15th— Joseph Thorp. -. 
" Daniel Britton. 

" Richard Cutter. 
" Sarah Pike. 

Elizabeth Britton. 
" Sarah Fors. 

" Elizabeth Gray. 

" Lydia Pangborn. 

" 20th— Sarah Holland. 
" John Ilsley. 

" John Jaques. 

" John Skiner. 

." Nathaniel Pike. 

" JMary Groves. 

" Ann Skiner. 

" Elizabeth Ilsly. 

" Mary Cutter.-- 

Mercy Pike. - 
Mary Stillvvell. 
" Susannah Jaques. 

" Desire Walker. 

jVIehitable Butler. 
Hannah Freeman, 
Mary Wade. 
" Joanuah Dunham. 

Ester Bloomfield. 
Oct. 31st— John Chaplin. 
" Benjamin Jones. 

" John Ilobiiisou. 

" Daniel Dane. 

" Mary Curtis. 

Elizabeth Thorp. - 
" Phebe Ayers. 
Dec. 2Gth, 1708. 

" Nathaniel Dunham. 
' ' Mary Ayers. 

" Sarah Congor. 

Jan. 2d, 1709. 

William Thorp. 
" Mary Thorp. 

Feb. 27th— Moses Ptoljili. 

" Hopewell Bloomfield. 

May 12th— John Conger. 

" Edward Wilkinson. 

Thomas Collier. 
Mary Rolph. 
" Mary Conger. 

May 12th— Anna Thorp. - 
" Samutl Butler. 

June2Gth.— Jolin Dille. 
Elias Foard. 



June 26th— Ruth Dille. 

" Joanna Pangborn. 

" Hannah Crowel. 

" Susannah Sbippy. 

" Penelope Tilus. 

" Rebecca Phylips. 

" Obadiah Avers. 

Jan. 1st, 1710. 

Peter Pain. 
" Joanna Ayers. 

" Hannah Right. 

June 25th — Benjamin Thorp. "" 

" John Scudder. 

Sept. 10th— Hannah Colliar. 
" Rebecca Mills. 

Oct. 3d — Joanna Jones. 
" John Ayers, Jun. 

AVife of Daniel Thorp. '^ 

Wife of Benj. Fors. 

Wife of Elip't Phillips. 

Charles Fold. 
' ' Jonathan Dennis & Wife. 

Samuel Rolph. 
" Esther Borroughs. 

" Ezekiel Thorp. 

" Wife of Benj. Thorp. ~ 

" Thomas Edgar. 

" Obadiah Ayers. 

" Joseph Bonny & Wife. 

" David Dunham &. Wife. 

Joseph Bloomfield & Wf . 
" Samuel Jaques & Wife. 

Eph. Lockhart & Wife. 
" Wife of John Moores. 

" Ocilla Hoviof. 

" Rebecca Stone. 

" Wife of Peter Pain. 

' ' Wi fe of Samuel Freeman. 

. " John Campbell. 

" Mrs. Heard. 

" David Chimbel. 

Rachel Chimbcl. 
" Stephen Pangboura, 

" Jonathan Chimbel. 

" Abraham Tappen. 

" Anne Moores. 

" Sarah Rennols. 

" Smuiel Motfet. 

" Mary Coddington. 

Wm. Ford & Wife. 
" Mary Ayers. 

" Abigail Loufl)eriy. 

" JMaiy Wilkinson. 

AVile of Capt. Cutter. 
Oct. 1710— Judge Hude. 

" George Brown & Wife. 

" Widow Lockhart. 

" Wife of Thomas Ayers. 



THE PRESBYTERIANS. 169 

Oct. 1710— Wife of Robert Ayers. | Oct. 1710— -Junes Rossc. 

" Jonathan Frazee. '* Elizabeth Miller. 

" Hannah Perkins. | 

The year 1707 has generally been regarded as the date of 
the establishment of Presbyterianism in Woodbridge — a 
tiieory open to some dispute. In the first place the ordination 
and installation of Mr. Wade were performed in January, 
1708, in accordance with the time-honored customs of the 
New England Independent Church ; that is, with an ordain- 
ing council of " messengers " and clergymen from neighboring 
Independent Churches. In the second place, the Newark and 
Elizabethtovvn Churches, represented by " messengers " at 
Woodbridge on this occasion, were both Independent at that 
time. Thirdly, Messrs. Hale, Pike, and Bishop, spoken of as 
having been "communicants in other Churches," had come 
from the Independent Church in New England; and yet they 
officiated in these ceremonies- — something they would have 
been incompetent to do if it were a Presbyterian ordination. 
Lastly, the "Records of the Presbyterian Churches in the 
United States" assign the year 1710 as the period when the 
Rev. Mr. Wade and his congregation joined the Presbytery of 
Philadelphia.^' The Independent Church of Elizabeth became 
connected with this Presbytery six years afterward. Indeed, 
Presbyterianism became popular among the New England- 
bred people throughout the Province, although they at first 
treated it with great caution. 

The evidence that the Woodbridge Congregation became 
Presbyterian in 17 10 is corroborated by an entry in the 
Church Book, in which the officers of a Presbyterian form of 
government are mentioned for the first time. Here it is: 

"March 2Sth, 1710. At a Church meeting, chosen: John 
Foard, John Pike and Thomas Pike for Ruling Elders in the 
Church of Christ in Woodbridge." 

In 17 1 1, as will be seen by reference to Chapter XI , a 
serious difference between Mr. Wade and certain of his people 
caused a secession from the Presbyterian Church. An invita- 
tion was sent, by the recusant members, to Rev. Edward 

* See Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 830. Hodge's Pres. C. 83. 



lyo WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, 

Vaughan, Episcopalian missionary at Elizabethtown, to estab- 
lish services in Woodbridge after the manner of the Church 
of England — an opportunity which Mr. Vaughan was 
not slow to improve. Now, what was the cause of this differ- 
ence.? Mr. Vaughan, in speaking of it, says it Avas Mr. 
Wade's "irregular life and conversation." This, however, 
being ex-pat te evidence, would not weigh much with any 
reader unless supported by incontestable proof. Intimations 
of such proof we find in Dr. Charles Hodge's History of the 
Presbyterian Church in the United States^ the very best authority 
on questions relating to that communion. He takes his facts 
from the official records. He tells us that at the date of his 
ordination many were opposed to Wade. That was in 1708. 
The difficulty became so great that, as a propitiation to the 
disaffected parties. Rev. John Boyd, of P'reehold, was induced 
to preach in the Woodbridge meeting-house, in 170S, every 
third Sabbath. ■''■ This did not have the intended soothing 
effect. The congregation divided into two parties — one fav- 
oring ISIr. Wade and the other denouncing him. The cause 
of this opposition was, perhaps, two-fold; Mr. Wade's per- 
sonal unpopularity being one element of it, and the desire of 
some for Presbyterianism and of the rest for Independency 
being the other element. The preacher, doubtless, favored the 
proposed change of ecclesiastical government, for he entered 
the Presbyter}^ of Philadelphia, with his congregation, in 17 10. 
It is altogether probable that his action in this matter was 
offensive to some of his parisliioners and was the cause of the 
secession of Benjamin Dunham and his adherents to the Episco- 
pal body. Mr. Wade seems to have been a man of dogmatic 
temperament, very much bent upon having his own way. The 
early congregations of the Independents were famous for their 
obstinacy. So Greek met Greek, and then came the "tug of 
war." Dr. Hodge, speaking of this unlovely strife, says that 
the Woodbridge Church "gave the Presbytery more trouble 
than all the rest put together" — not a very complimentary 
remark, but a true one, as the general records attest. 

In 171 1, the members of the Presbytery say, " divcrses of 

* Dr. Hodgo's History, p. 83. 



THE PRESBYTERIANS. 171 

the people of Woodbridge appeared, some for and some 
against him [Mr. Wade], against which he made the best 
vindication he could, but not so good but_that we thought it 
convenient to advise him to demit his pastoral relations to the 
whole people of Woodbridge."* The Towni Meeting, acting 
on the suppbsition that Mr. Wade would heed this advice 
appointed a committee on the 6th of December, 17 ii, " to look 
out for a minister" — from which it appears that the town still 
manifested an active interest in the ecclesiastical matters they 
had conti'olled so long. This committee consisted of Capt. 
Elisha Parker, John Ford, Samuel Dennis, George Brown, 
and Thomas Pike. 

Mr. Boyd, the Freehold minister, did not long supply the 
Woodbridge pulpit, nor did Mr. Wade leave his charge as the 
Presbytery had advised; so that things remained in statu quo 
until the following year. The Presbytery then authoritatively 
dismissed Mr. Wade and appointed a Rev. Mr. Gillispie in his 
place. This displeased Mr. Wade very much. He appealed 
to Dr. Cotton Mather, going to Boston to confer with him. 
The eminent divine, doubtless misunderstanding the case, sent 
Mr. Wiswall to Woodbridge in company with Mr. Wade, 
recommending him as a suitable minister for the people at 
that place. In the meantime, Mr. Gillispie w^as preaching 
acceptably in the little meeting-house. The arrival of Mr. 
Wiswall and his unpopular escort led to more tumult, in the 
midst of which Gillispie left. Mr. Wiswall did not long 
remain here. So Mr. Wade again became the preacher, as is 
proven by the following minute of the Town Meeting held 
January 28th, 17 14: 

"Granted to Mr. Wade to have the use of the Parsonage 
meadow so long as he shall continue our minister." 

The Parsonage Land is mentioned so frequentlv in this 
volume that it is only proper that we should give a few facts 
concerning it before proceeding further. 

As is Avell known, this land was granted by the Lords- 
proprietors for the support of the ministry in the town. In 

* Dr. Ilodge, l>. ST. 



172 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

1682 (October loth), it was decided by the Town Meeting 
that twenty-four acres of it should be " meadow or marsh ; " the 
remaining one hundred and seventy-six acres to be upland. 
At various times it was rented, and sometimes it was planted 
with corn for the benefit of the public treasury. The follow- 
ing is a correct transcript of the survey of this land, made 
March 12th, 17 16. (See Freeholders' Book, folio 84.) 

"Then Layd out by us vnder named two Hundred acors of 
land Given by Lord John Barkley & Sr. George Carteret, ye 
former proprietors of ye province of new jersy, to ward ye 
Charge of maintaining a gospell minister in this town, wch 
shall be Called & seatled amongst us by ye mejority of ye 
hinhabitance in ye town of woodbridge ; ye sd. Land Lying & 
being att a place known by ye name of trout Brook neck : 
Begining att ye south west Corner of ye School Land, from 
thence runing north & by west twenty two Chaine to a 
maple tree markt on four sides, standing in ye line of ye sd. 
School land; thence west south west seven Chaine to ye 
south East ^Corner of John Edde ['s] land; thence south west 
in ye line of sd. Eddes. So Extending on ye same Course forty 
one Chaine to ye north East Corner of Jchabod Smith ['s] third 
devision lott; thence southerly on ye sd Smith ['s] line of sd. 
lott ten Chaine to his south east Corner; thence south south 
east twenty one Chaine to a stake planted six rod east ward of 
ye northeast Corner of william Ilslee['s] addition; so Extend- 
ing from tlience to matuching [i. e. Metuchen] Road, leaving 
a highway between ye sd. addition & sd. ministers [land] ; 
from thence Easterly on sd. Road thirty five Chaine to a large 
white oak markt on four sides standing by ye sd. road; thence 
north & by west forty seven Chaine to a beech tree markt on 
four sides standing four rod west ward of ye great spring & 
from thence East four rod to ye place where it began, 
by ye appointment of ye town. 

Thos. pike, lott Layer, 
John Jaques, 
George Brown." 
It will be considered appropriate for us to introduce just 
here the survey of the " Meeting-house Green," entered in the 
Freeholders'' Book, folio 134: 



THE PRESI3YTERIANS. 173 



"Surveyed the 2Sth of the 8th month, called August, 1784, 
at request of Doctor Moses Bloomfield and Jonathan Bloom- 
field, Esq. (at the same time were present Samuel Barron, 
Esq., William Smith, John Noe, John Barron, and Charles 
Jackson), a lot of land, lying in the Town Spot of Woodbridge, 
whereon is erected the Presbyterian Meeting-house and a 
building commonly called a Church, which said lot of land 
is called the Meeting-house Green: Beginning at the North- 
west corner of the home lot of land, formerly laid out for 
Samuel Smith, now belonging to William Smith; from said 
beginning running N. 11° 46', E. 20 chains, 55 links, to a 
gray rock, now within Samuel Barron's enclosure; thence 
with the line of the said Samuel Barron S. 18^ and 25 minutes 
— E. 19 chains, 90 links, to a stone planted and shown by 
Samuel Barron for the South-west corner of his land; then 
S. 15° 20', W. 2 chains, 61 links, to a stake; then S. 8° 40', 
E. 5 chains, 97 links to a stake now standing within William 
Smith's enclosure; then with the said William Smitli's line N. 
80= 30', W. 8 chains, 93 links, to the beginning— containing 
eleven acres and three-tenths of an acre, as per the Plan 
delineated by a scale of 4 chains to an inch." 

To resume our story : 

The Rev. John Pierspn succeeded to the pastorate of the 
\Voodbridge Church in 17 14. He was the son of Rev. Abra- 
ham Pierson, of Killingworth, Conn., the first President of 
Yale College. John was only about twenty-eight years old 
when he came to this place. It is supposed that Rev. Jonathan 
Dickinson, the talented and celebrated Independent preacher 
at Elizabethtown, introduced young Pierson to the notice of 
the people here. Dickinson had been educated by the elder 
Pierson, and an attachment had grown up between the boy?, 
thus associated, which continued throughout life. 

John Pierson was ordained, as the Woodbridge minister, 
April 29th, 1717— his friend, Dickinson, participating in the 
services.--^ The Presbytery of Philadelphia met, on this 
occasion, in the quaint meeting-house here, and Mr. Dickin- 
son was enrolled among its members for the first time. 



* Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 88 



174 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

From a letter written by Rev. Thomas Halliday, November 
8th, 1716, we judge that Mr. Pierson's salary was about jQ%o 
per annum, raised, of course, by private subscriptions. Speak- 
ing of Newai'k, Elizabethtown, and Woodbridge, he says : " In 
each of those towns there is a large Independent congregation 
who support their preachers with the allowance of ;^8o per 
annum, besides House, Glebe, and perquisites of Marriages."* 
The Woodbridge congregation was not then Independent, but 
of this he may not have been aware ; or, it may be, that he 
preferred using the old term to prevent misunderstanding. 

Nothing of importance occurred during Mr. Pierson's 
ministry, which continued for thirty-eight j^ears. The 
" Church enjoyed great peace and quietness, gradually increas- 
ing; there being no remarkable revival of religion in his day. 
Its number was small, at no time exceeding thirty. "f 

In the Town Meeting of October 29th, 1722, this minute is 
recorded : " Mr. John Peirson our present minister Shall have 
the whole use of the Land Layd out for the use of the person- 
age dureing the time he continues minister of the Gospel Jn 
this town. Giving him here by full power to Take Care to 
preserve the timber from being destroyed or taken away by 
any person or persons whatsoEver." 

March 12th, of the ensuing year, the Town Meeting agreed 
" that mr. John Person our present minister shall have power 
to make what Jmprovement; he pleas on ye personage Land 
by Letting of it out or other wise as lie Shall Se meet for the 
further Jmprovement thereof." 

In 1732 Mr. Pierson was deprived, by death, of the compan- 
ionship of his wife. Her epitaph on the tombstone in the old 
grave-yard at Woodbridge represents her as being remarkable 
for meekness, prudence, and piety — shining qualities in a 
minister's wife. The following is the chief inscription on the 
old slab : 

" Here is interred the precious remains of Mrs. Ruth 
Pierson, wife of the Rev. Mr. John Pierson, and daughter of 
the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge of Hartford, in New England, 
who fell asleep in Jesus 7th of January, 1732, aetatis z^." 

* Ilatfield'B Elizabeth, p. 829. + Kev. Azel Koe's MS. History. 



THE PRESBYTERIANS. 175 

At the Town Meeting held on the second Tuesday in March, 
1745, we find the next and last mention of the minister in the 
township records. We transcribe the " minute "; 

"It also passed by a major vote that Robart Hude Esqn, 
James Smith, Esqr., John Moores, Esqr., Mr. William Stone 
& Mr. Joseph Bloomfield shall be a Commetie (any three of 
them to have power to act) to Joyn with the presbyterian 
minister of this town for the time being to manage ye parson- 
age Land by Leseing of it out or otherways as ye sd. minister 
& ye major part of ye sd. commetie or their sucsessors shall 
Judge most advantagious for and towards the Suport of 
a presbyterian minister in this town." 

Edward Crowell, the Town Clerk, says, in regard to this 
action, that " this was done as I was informed at the request of 
Mr. John Pierson our present minister." In March, 1748, 
Abraham Tappen and Joseph Freeman were added to the 
committee "to manage ye parsonage Land." 

In 1740 the eloquent Methodist divine, George VVhitefield, 
preached in Mr. Pierson's Church. The congregation was 
very large. The sermon was preached on Monday morning 
at ten o'clock, April 28th. The distinguished clergyman 
dined, with the friends who accompanied him, at Mr. Pierson's 
house; and then hastened to Elizabethtown where an audience 
of 2,000 souls were assembled to hear him in Jonathan Dick- 
inson's house of worship." 

The brilliant Dickinson died October 7th, 1747, of 'pleurisy, 
in the 60th year of his age. Mr. Pierson, his life-long friend, 
preached the funeral sermon at Elizabethtown on the 9th. 
This sermon was subsequently printed. Fifteen )'ears before, 
Mr. Dickinson had performed the sad service over his friend's 
wife, Ru,th Pierson ; and now that friend was pronouncing a 
long farewell to his much-beloved Jonathan. Twentv-three 
years after, the three met in the Kingdom, 

" To be parted nevermore. " 

Mr. Pierson died at Hanover, N. J., in 1770, in the Sist 
year of his age, having preached the Gospel for fifty-six years. 

* Hatfield'B Elizabeth, p. 341. 



176 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

In 1752 he was dismissed from Woodbridge at his own'request 
in consequence of " some dispute or difference arising betwixt 
him and his people."* He was, however, dismissed " w ithout 
the least censure or imputation upon his character or con- 
duct. He was justly reputed and esteemed a worthy and able 
minister of the New Testament, sound in the fixith. Of 
exemplary conversation and candor, he well supported the 
dignity of his office, and had but few equals in his day in 
theological knowledge. "f He was one of the first Board 
of Trustees of the College of New Jersey, of which the 
lamented Dickinson was the first President. 

Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker, a licentiate of the Presbyterj'- of 
New York, succeeded Mr. Pierson. He was ordained and 
duly installed December loth, 1755. There is very little 
known of this clergyman. He remained in Woodbridge five 
years, and was then dismissed at his own request. A disturb- 
ance in his Church, from some trivial cause, occurred during 
liis ministry, producing, to use Rev. Mr. Roe's language, "a 
small rent." 

In 1756 the Presbyterian Church at Woodbridge secured a 
royal charter incorporating it as the " First Presbyterian 
Church " of this town. It was given by Gov. Jonathan 
Belcher, and is dated September 8th. 

The Rev. Azel Roe succeeded Mr. Whitaker; but we 
reserve for a future chapter the history of this distinguished 
man. 



* Cburcb Ilistory by Kev. A. Koe. t Ibid. 



CHAPTER XVL 

1669—1793. 

Educational — The Free School Land — First School- 
Teacher — John Browne — John Beacher— Survey of 
the School Land — Rahway School Matters — Straw- 
berry Hill — George Eubanks — School Fund — The Old 
Academy. 
Provision for the education of children was made by the 
township of Woodbridge in the days of tlie settlement. A 
school was regarded, by the villagers, as indispensable, and 
was named in the Charter, in 1669, as an object for the appro- 
priation of public land. The general location of this land was 
agreed upon, but it was not at first surveyed. In conse- 
quence, some ungenerous persons sought to occupy the 
chosen ground and obtained patents for it. This aroused the 
indignation of their fellow-citizens. In September, 16S2, 
resolutiohs were passed in a Town Meeting strongly con- 
demnatory of the men holding the free school tract, declaring 
their patents to be illegal. It was determined to complain to 
the authorities that the grievance might be redressed. In case 
this should prove ineffective, the law was to be invoked to 
secure the ejectment of the intruders. Capt. Pike, John 
Bishop, Sr., Thomas Bloomfield, and Samuel Moore were 
appointed a committee to enforce the sentiments and deter- 
mination of the town. The committee did as they were 
instructed. The land vvas recovered for school purposes 
alone. It consisted of one hundred acres, twelve of which, by 
a town order of October loth, 1682, were to be marsh and the 
remaining eighty-eight to be upland. 

The first school-teacher in Woodbridge was James Fuller- 
ton, who was elected to that dignity on the 3rd of March, 1689. 
The following is the minute in regard to the matter: 

"Jt also passed By Vote that they were generally willing 



178 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

that James FuUerton Shall Be Entertained in this towne as a 
School Master, and to be Encouraged by Such as vSee cause^to 
Employ him." 

Mr. Fullerton, with his brothers, Thomas and Robert, came 
into the Province in 16S4. James settled on Cedar Brook, on 
land claimed by Jeffrey Jones, In 1693 Jones ousted Fuller- 
ton, who, in September, brought a suit against Jones for the 
recovery of the property. The trial was held in May, 1695, 
before the Court of Common Pleas at Perth Amboy, and 
Fullerton was restored to the ownership of the disputed 
territory. Jones appealed to the King of England, who, after 
a re-hearing of the case, reversed the judgment of the Court, 
and Fullerton was finally dispossessed.'"^ 

' It is probable that he taught the Woodbridge scliool until 
1691. 

In January, 1694, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and John 
Bloomfield were sent "to Discourse with John Browne of 
Amboy or any other person that May Be Sutable," to secure 
his services as teacher. On the 27th of February, " Jt Passed 
By Vote that John Brown of* Amboy Should have twenty- 
four pounds a yeare alowed him for keeping a free School in 
this towne this next yeare." John Conger protested against 
this vote, on what ground does not appear. He demanded 
that his protest be recorded, which was done. Doubtless he 
thought ;^24 too lavish an expenditure for teaching one year. 
His views of a liberal educational policy were well illustrated 
in the signature he attached to an important township paper 
a year after — subscribing his name with the cabalistic X — " his 
mark." 

Previous to Mr. Brown's advent we must place John 
Beacher, who was offered ^13 to teach six months on trial. 
The offer was extended to Beacher December loth, 1691, with 
this proviso : " that he Shall be constant & faithfull in that 
employ as a School Master aught to Be, and that he Shall Be 
Jngaged to attend the School this winter time untill Nine 
oclock at Night." 

• Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 241. 



TOWN SCHOOLS, 1 79 

Whether John was a progenitor of the distinguished Brook- 
lyn orator, Henry Ward Beecher, we are not assured. -' 

On the 1 2th of June, 1695, a tax was ordered to be levied 
forthwith to make up the School Master's salary, which was 
largely in arrears. John Browne, of Amboy, who was teach- 
ing the village school at this time, could not have been very 
much fascinated with his professional prospects in view of 
this state of things. 

In the Town Meeting of January 29th, 1701, it was decided 
that no division of the common land should be made until the 
" Free School land " was laid out. A committee was appointed 
to make the survey, and to lay out the land " in such place or 
places as they in their discretion should judge best." This 
survey was ordered to be recorded, which Avas done. The 
property is situated not far from the Uniontown station tjn the 
Pennsylvania Railroad; and is now better known as the Poor 
House Farm, the township having hired the land from the 
trustees for the benefit of its homeless poor. The following 
is a copy of the survey alluded to, taken from the Town Book 
(see Randolph's copy, page 124). It will be seen that it is all 
upland, instead of part marsh as Avas first intended: 

"December ye nth, 1701. Then Laid out by us here under 
Named, one Hundred acres of upland, which was granted to 
the Town of Woodbridge by the proprietors of New Jersey 
for a free school : begining at a maple tree marked on all four 
sides Standing on a point on the west Side of the mouth of a 
fresh brook, known by the Name of trought brook : from 
thence Running Southerly as the said brook Runs forty 
Chains to a bending white oake marked on all four Sides, 
Standing by the Said brook ; from thence west and by South 
twenty five Chaine to a beach tree — marked on four Sides 
Standing about two Rod Eastward from a Spring knoAvn b}^ 
the Name of the great Spring, from thence North and by west 
fourty Chaine through a great Swamp known by the Name of 



* It will be observed that Mr. Whitehead calls this mau "John Boacker," iustead of 
" Beacher." Randolph's copy spells it as we have done. Notwithstanding, Mr. Whitehead's 
rendering is possibly correct. It must be borne in mind, however, that the original Town 
Booij is badly blurred, and Randolph copied it when it was more legiljle. A discrepancy in 
the date of the school-teacher's arrival will, also, bo noted. The date wo give is plainly writ- 
ten in Randolph's copy. 



I So WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Rahawack Swamp to a Beach tree marked on all four Sides, 
Standing Near to the Northwest branch; from thence East 
twenty two Chaine to Rahawack River where Standeth a 
Swamp oak tree marked on all four Sides: and from thence as 
the Said River Runs to the maple tree where it first began : 
in the aforesaid Land there is alowance for a Highway if there 
be occation for it : — 

Samuel Dennis, John Bishop, 
Samuel Hale, John Bloomfield, 
Jonathan Dunham, Thomas Pike." 

We find a call for a Town Meeting in the old records bear- 
ing date July 14th, 1701 — the Freeholders to assemble in the 
Meeting-house on the 23d, at 12 o'clock, to consider, among 
other things, the project for erecting a school-house. The 
meeting w^as held at the time specified, but the ordination of 
Rev. Mr. Shepard was the exciting topic of discussion, and the 
school-house is not even mentioned in the minutes. Never- 
theless, it is not improbable that it was under consideration; 
for Rahway was not as large a settlement as Woodbrldge, and 
yet in the following December ten rods of land were set apart 
there by the township Freeholders "to build a School-house 
on." This land lay "between John Robinson Tailers House 
and the House of John Alstone." If the Woodbridge Town 
Meeting should thus make provision for primary education in 
Rahway it is reasonable to suppose that it would early make 
the same in this more populous section. The famous Straw- 
berry Hill school-house is supposed to have been built during 
this year. Before that structure was completed it is likely 
that the village school held its sessions in the Meeting-house; 
and that, as little boys, our fathers sported on the Mceting- 
House Green. Wild boys they were, too, if we may credit 
contemporaneous records. 

In 1707 the town voted to lay out the School Land and 
Strawberry Hill in common fields for raising corn. 

On the 28th of January, 17 14, it was unanimously voted that 
John Kinsey, James Clarkson, Henry Rolph, and Samuel 
Ayers should be appointed to the " special care of the School 
Land in that manner as shall to them seem most advantaQ:cous 



TOWN SCHOOLS. iSl 

for the end it was laid out for; and also to agree with those 
that have now got timber cut upon it." 

The next teacher after John Browne's departure, the next 
of whom we have any account, was George Eubanks, a man 
of some ability. He began teaching in Woodbridge some 
time during 1711, probably; for in that year we find a grant 
of ten acres to him on Red Brook (or Reed Brook) for his 
"encouragement" as school teacher. The land was given, as 
the deed stipulates, on condition "that the sd. George 
Ewbancke do remain, abide and teach School In woodbridge 
aforesd. In ye Publick School house now built for yt purpose, 
during his natural life, or as long as he shall be capable. 
Provided always yt the Inhabitants of ye sd. Town, satisfying 
and paying unto the said Geo. Ewbancke for his Teaching of 
their Children, yearly & every year, So Long as he shall be 
capable of Teaching of School, anything aforesd. to the con- 
trary notwithstanding, that then [the] present relase [release] 
Shall Stand In full force." 

How long Mr. Eubanks taught the "young idea how to 
shoot" on Strawberry Hill, for here, doubtless, was the scene 
of his toils, is not known. As the ten acres were made over 
to him, it is most probable that he filled the conditions of the 
grant, and remained in the town, spending a laborious, useful 
and honored life among the youth of that time. He was a 
member of the Episcopal Church ; and it was he,'perhaps, who 
penned the invitation to Mr. Vaughan by which the latter 
was induced to come to Woodbridge to establish Episcopal 
services, for his name comes last on the paper. 

The following survey'-^ shows that Railway school interests 
were not neglected : 

" March ye 2Sth, 17 16. Then Lay'd outt by us under written 
(Pursuant to a town Grant to the Inhabitants of Rahawack) 
two acres of School Land Begining att a white oak tree 
Markt on four sides, standing by the Rode wch Run's by ye 
widow Jones house; thence Runing South west & be west 
twenty eight Rod to another white oak markt on four Sides ; 

* Freeholders' Book, folio 25. 



l82 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

thenc south south east twenty Rod to a small white oak markt 
on four sides: thence North East & by East sixteen Rod to a 
Wallnutt tree markt on four sides: and from thence on a 
straight Line to ye Place where Jtt began : 

Thos Pike, Lott layer. 
John Jaqves ) 
George Brown >• Comitte. 
Will: Ileslee ) 

Just one year previous to this survey it was proposed at a 
public meeting to divide Strawberry Hill into equal parts for 
the benefit of the Freeholders, notwithstanding a town order 
of long standing making it a perpetual common. The land 
was becoming valuable, and some of the more avaricious 
desired to add portions of it to their already large possessions. 
A vote was taken, March 8th, 17 15, by which this measure was 
authorized.* 

After the meeting adjourned, if not before, considerable 
opposition was manifested; and in the succeeding meeting 
July 1 2th, the subject was re-considered, and Strawberry Hill^ 
with some other commons, was excepted from the contem- 
plated division of land. At this time it was also determined 
to re-survey the School Land. 

The Freeholders resolved to sell the one hundred acres 
appropriated for schools, but found tliat an order from the 
General Assembly would be essential to make the sale valid. 
Accordingly, on the 3d of January, 1717, this minute appears 
on the record : 

" Itt also pased by a free voatt yt where as ye freeholders & 
Inhabitants of this town Conceive itt will be More Convein- 
ient & advantagious to sell ye School land : & being nott able 
to give a title wth outt ye assisstance of ye Generall Assem- 
bly: they do hereby appoint Jno. Kinsey and Moses Rolph to 
petition ye sd assembly to pass [an act] to enable us to do ye 
same." 

This action, however, was never carried out. The land was 
not sold. The town was wise in retaining it and is reaping 
the fruits of that wisdom to-day. 



Freelioldcie' Book, fol. 28. 



TOWN SCHOOLS. 1 83 

Afraid, perhaps, that another effort would be made to divide 
Strawberry Hill into house lots, the Freeholders, on the 9th 
of January, 1724, decreed that "a piece on the End of Stra- 
berrey Hill Next the town Between the Road that Leads to 
Amboy and the Dwelling house of Ephrim Andrews Deceassed 
Shall Ly perpetually Comon. '''••' It was to be used only for a 
school-house, market place, or a similar public service. 

The management of the school land was given, from year to 
year, into the hands of committees appointed by the annual 
Town Meeting. The following table shows how the fund> 
arising from the rent of this property, increased in value from 
the year 1764. The principal was ;^36i. loj-. gd. at that date, 
and the interest accruing amounted to JCT2. ijs., making a 
total of ^434. 7-f . gd.: 



■ £. s. d. 

ITfii 4:i4. 7. !). 

iTO.j 4f;r>. .'). 3. 

17GB 53;]. 8. 3. 



£. .9. d. 

1772 8.50. — — 

177o OIJO. — — 

1774 985. 4. 10. 



1767-0 — — 1775 1,0(33. 14.11. 

1770 740. — — 177G 1,162. 12. G. 

1771 7!J4. — —I 

Then came tlie dreadful days of war v.^hen this amount was 
reduced to a low figure for carrying forward the military 
operations- It is supposed that the money was absorbed for 
such purposes, but no account of the expenditure is to be 
found. The following entry in Liber B (folio 25), explains 
itself: "March nth, 1783, at a general town meeting the 
trustees for the free School Land of the Township of Wood- 
bridg do Report that there acounts on the furst of march was 
as follows, viz. Due on Bonds Bills and Notes together with 
money due on the Land, ^477. 2>^. ^d. Cash in hand, ^""3. "]$.; 
total amount, ^480. loi-. 5^/." 

Whitehead, in commenting on this exhibit, seems to regard 
the p/^480, etc., as the total fund. But is not that view a 
mistaken one.'* The interest on the bonds, notes, etc., is all 
that the ;^48o represents; the ])aper representing the princi- 
pal. That is the way we look at it, but others must judge for 
themselves. 

On the nth of March, 1766, the question of applying the 

* Freeholdera' BjoU, fol;o 32. 



184 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

interest of the School Fund for the " schooling of poor peo- 
ple's children " was raised in the Town Meeting, but it was 
vo;ed down. In 1789, the inhabitants, as Whitehead sayS) 
-' appear to have learned something from experience; " for they 
not only used the interest of this fund, bvit also the tax on dogs, 
for educating these children. 

In 1793 subscriptions were obtained for money to build the 
far-famed Woodbridge Academy. It was built by Jonathan 
Freeman at a total cost of ^342. 2s. ^d. The site is now 
occupied by the down town District School house which was 
erected in the Fall of 1851. The old Academy was not 
destroyed, but was sold and removed to a lot immediately 
adjoining Mr. George Lasslett's residence, where it stands to 
this day. It no longer resounds with the yells of refractory 
pupils and the hum of the multiplication table, but it has 
become an unassuming dwelling. 



CHAPTER XYIL 

1720—1737. 

Slavery — Market-Place — Encroachments — Roads Made 
Narrow — The Sonmans-Stelle Difficulty — John 
Kinsey's Shrewdness — Lists of Town and Freehold- 
ers' Clerks — The Seventh Division of Land — Last of 
the Sonmans-Stelle Law-suit. 
We again turn our attention to the general history of the 
town. 

It is uncertain whether slaves were brought from Europe 
with the first settlers of the Province, but the traffic in human 
souls began at a very early period. In 1680 there were 120 
negroes in bondage in the Province, which in 1737 had 
increased to 3,071 ;* in 1790 the State (the two provinces being 
united, of course) had within its limits 11,423 slaves; in 1800 
it had 12,422 ; after which the number rapidly declined, until 
in 1850 there were only 236 in New Jersey. In 1810 Wood- 
bridge contained 230 slaves. During the century, between 
1700 and 1800, the traffic was largely carried on in this State, 
and Woodbridge was greatly interested in it. Records of the 
sale 'of Africans are frequently found in MSS. relating to the 
town. The following, bearing date June 3d, 17 17, is written 
in Liber B, folio 100: 

"Know all men by these presents yt J, Shoball Smith, of 
Woodbridge, Jn ye County of Middx Jn ye provence New 
East Jersey, for and Jn Consideration of ye sum of fifty pound 
Currant Silver money, of ye sd provence, to me Jn hand paid 
by Samuel Smith of ye Same place, yeoman of ye town and 
provence aforesd — do bargain, sell, allineat and Deliver one 
Negro woman Named Phebe to sd Samll Smith, for him, his 
heirs and assigns," etc. 

* Gordon's N. J., p. 29. (Gazettee- .) 



l86 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

In the Freeholders' meeting of January 9th, 1724, Justice 
Hude presiding, it was voted that certain pieces of land should 
lie perpetually common, among which were these: A plot at 
Metuchen, adjoining the south-west corner of Israel Thornell's 
land; one lying before Moses Rolph's door (John Allen's 
house-lot forming the rear bovuidary); and one, as the Clerk 
describes it, "on the End of Straberrey Hill, Next the town, 
Between the Road that Leads to Amboy and the Dwelling 
house of Ephrim Andrewes, Deceassed." These commons 
were to be devoted to "publique uses" only, such as "the 
building School houses. Market places, &c." 

Public market-places were, in those times, regarded as 
essential to the well-being of an}^ town; and provision was 
made, therefore, for the erection of a market here. Perth 
Amboy was favored with such a building,* which was 
destroyed, in 1842, by the owner, into whose possession it 
came in that vear. Whether one was built in Woodbridge is 
unknown ; but it is improbable, inasmuch as no mention is 
made of it. Nor can we find any survey locating a plot for 
that purpose. However, such a survey may have been made 
and the record of it may be lost. A tradition, regarded 
as reliable, assigns as the Woodbridge market-place the 
ground upon which tlie village hotel (the Pike House) now 
stands. Mrs. David Paton lias told me that three acres in that 
locality were set apart for the purpose indicated — her grand- 
mother, who remembered the matter distinctly, having so 
informed her. Little by little individuals owning land adja- 
cent to it absorbed the greater part (jf it, and thus it became 
private property. 

Mrs. Paton's grandmother, Mrs. Campyon, resided in the 
building now occupied as a drug-store by Dr. Samuel E. 
Freeman. She is authority for a story of an amusing contest 
between two neighbors living near the market-place. One of 
these, whose land bordered the public property aforesaid, 
found it necessary to build a new fence, and, surmising that 
what belonged to everybody belonged to nobody in particular, 
built it several feet beyond his own line. This roused the ire 

* Whiteheyd's Ctu'riLutioua, i>. 'Ja.'). 



TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. 187 

of a lady near by, who instituted measures for circumventing 
the avaricious man. In the morning after the construction of 
his fence he was astonished to find it lying flat on the ground, 
having been demolished during the night. The posts were 
re-set and the reconstruction completed, when the same mis- 
fortune befell the structure. It was found prostrated through 
some unknown agency. Filled with wrath, the man openly 
attributed the mischief to the lady living near, who oifered no 
denial, but coolly informed him that he might put up the fence 
as often as he pleased and he would find it taken down just as 
often. "A pint of ram will do it!" she exclaimed tri- 
umphantly. Finding himself discomfited and unable to satisfy 
his avarice at the public expense, the encroacher abandoned 
the disputed territor)^ baffled by the spirit and prompt action 
of a courageous woman. 

The dishonest practice of absorbing public land by fencing 
it and attaching it t(^ private property was very common. 
The town authorities were constantly passing resolutions 
denouncing it; in spite of which, however, whole acres were 
appropriated by unscrupulous persons. The public School 
Land came near being entirely lost to the township at one 
time b}' false claimants. It is only necessary to look at the 
public highways to see the frauds which private owners have 
perpetrated. Very few roads in the township are as wide as 
they should be. Those which the surveyors determined 
should be six rods in width have been, in many instances, 
reduced to four; and the four-rod roads have become, in some 
cashes, narrow lanes, through the cupidity of certain land- 
holders. As an illustration, take the six-rod road laid out 
September 15th, 1704, "all along by the River."* Who can 
find a highway of that width "along by the river"? The 
thoroughfare known as the Kings Highway, which ran through 
Woodbridge, was, when first laid out, a great deal wider 
in many places than it now is. The same is true of nearly 
everv otlier road in tlie township. A man would build a 
fence, putting it out far enough in the road to make the extra 
land pay for the improvement. His next-door neighbor did 

* Towu Records, A., p. 87. 



ISO V/OODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

likewise— for it would look odd if his fence stood back several 
feet from the line of the other. Thus the narrowing of the 
highways became general. So it came to pass that some that 
were intended to be spacious were contracted and barely 
passable for two vehicles side by side. 

The Freeholders of Woodbridge held a meeting on the 24th 
of March, 1727, to consider the claims of Peter Sonmans, of 
Perth Amboy, a matter destined to give the people of this 
town considerable trouble. We have already alluded to it. 
(See page 153.) Gabriel Stelle was another claimant. These 
claims related to land on the boundary line between Amboy 
and Woodbridge. The Woodbridge men held that the land 
was on this side of the line and had never bsea granted 
or otherwise bestowed upon the claimants. Both Sonmans 
and Stelle were prominent men in Amboy, the latter having 
founded a ferry, in 1728, between South Amboy and Staten 
Island, stopping at Perth Amboy en route* 

In the March meeting just referred to, John Kinsey, Jr., a 
shrewd man, well versed in the intricacies of law, was made a 
sort of counselor to a committee of investigation, appointed to 
look into the Sonmans-Stelle claims. The committee consisted 
of Adam Hude, John Kinsey, Benjamin Force, Daniel Britton, 
Wm. Bunn, James Thomson, Shobel Smith, Moses Rolph. 

On the 15th of December following, another meeting 
occurred, Benjamin Force, Moderator. The minutes read 
thus: 

" Mr. John Kinsey Came Jnto ve meeting and Satisfied the 
Freeholders Jn those matters and things the above Comitte 
was ordered to confer wth him about — and then it was voated 
that sd. Mr, Kinsey should be added to sd. Comittef and yt 
they should take ye first oppertunity to Discourse wtli Mr. 
Sonmans Jn Relation to Som Lands he claimes on amboy 
Line, and also to Endevoure if it be practible to Se if the 
freeholders Can purchase Such a Right of Quit Rents as may 
Enable them to Discount wth the propriotors tor the Quit 
Rent due on our Generall patten." 

* Whitehead, p. 272. t The John Kiusey already on the Committee was probalily liis 
father. 



TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. 1S9 

The committee were authorized to give public notice when 
they were ready to report.'-^ The next meeting recorded was 
not held until January 9th, 1730, when Capt. Matthew Moore, 
John Veall [Vail] and Moses Rolph were chosen a committee 
to report what was best to be done at the present juncture of 
the Sonmans-Stelle affair. The Freeholders then adjourned 
to the 26th. At ten o'clock on the morning designated they 
met again and the committee last appointed reported as 
follows : 

'•The Said Comjtte first do think it proper and absolutely 
nessary that money be forth [with] Raised to Defray the 
Charges of Runing and assertaining the bounds between us 
and at our neighbouring towns, Especially the bounds between 
us and amboy well we think ought forth wth to be don as 
Sone as possible; and if any have wthjn the Limation [i. e 
limitation] of ye Law before or Shall hereafter ofiTer to 
Trespass wth Jn our bounds, that they be forth wth pros- 
ecuted. — 2ndly, we think it Just there should be no more 
Land Layd out to any person whatsoever wth Jn our bounds 
but to those who have not had there ten pound Rights Layd 
out to them, Exclusive of what is Called the five pound Right, 
Except it be La3'd on Land yt is not Liable to be any ways 
controverted between us and our Neighbours, til our bounds 
are assertained. — 3dly We think it proper to Qviet the minds 
of all and to prevent jelousies Jn Som Jn Relation to ye 
Raiseing money for the Ends and purposes afore sd. that there 
be a Comitte apointed by the Freeholders and Jmpowered 
by them to take a Count of our atturneys (to whom they sd 
atturneys shal be acountable) for what money conies Jn to 
there hands." 

This report was received with mucli favor, and the monev 
Avas at once called for. The attorneys alluded to were John 
Kinsey, Henry Freeman, and Moses Rolph, who Avere ap- 
pointed in the meeting af March 25th, 1720. It Avas now 
required that each Freeholder should pay, nolens voiens, ten 
shillings for contesting the claims of the Amboy men. The 

* If the Committee did report at any public meetii:g it is evident that it umountcd to 
uotl ing. SonmaLS w„8 immovable. 



igo WOODERIDGE AND VICINITY. 

committee, whose pi-opositions had proved so acceptable, 
were continued as an advisory cabinet to whom the attorneys 
might resort for consultation. By the way, John Veall^ one of 
them, will be more readily recognized as John Vail. As 
we have before intimated, our fathers had a frightful way of 
writing their names. John's name is spelt Veall in several 
places and Vaile in another, in such a way that his identity is 
preserved, so that we know the same man is meant in every 
instance. The Vcall being thus disposed of, revenons a nos 
moutons : 

The meeting, which we presume was a lengthy one, ad- 
journed in time, perhaps, for a late dinner. On the 5th of 
February it re-assembled at ten o'clock in the morning, as 
before. John Kinsey, the elder, was chosen Moderator, as the 
Chairmen of these early town gatherings were called. He 
presented a paper written by the younger John Kinsey, 
"shewing his opinjon what was best to be don by the Free- 
holders to put them Jn away to opose and Defend themselves 
against those who had or should Trespase wth Jn there 
bounds," 

This document, which was a shrewd plan for proceeding in 
the disputed case, was unanimously approved. We give it in 
full : 

"Jn order to determine the Controversey Relating to ye 
Lands claimed by Gabriell Stelle ard others and Jn the mean- 
time to preserve ye timber Growing there on J propose — 
That the Freeholders of Woodbridge (or at Least so many of 
them as may be procured) make a Realase [release] of the 
Land Jn Controversey to some person Jn trust and Grant also 
the timber growing thereon, the Lease to Continue for seven 
years, and a proviso therejn to be Conteined that if the said 
Freeholders or the Greater number of them or any other 
person by there order or the order of the Greater number of 
them shal at any time there after tender one Shiling To the 
Lessee, his heirs, Exr. admrs. or assigns, that then the Sd. 
Lease to be void, by this Lease ye person trusted may have it 
Jn his power to punish Tresepasers and become plaintive or 
defendent Jn order to trie the title: and Jn case of danger of 



TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. I9I 

betraying his trust the Freeholders always have it Jn there 
power to put a period to his Claime by virtue of the Lease on 
the Tender of one Shiling. Jf the Freeholders think fit to do 
this, the Lessee may Enter upon the premises Jn the presents 
of'witneses, upon whom Gabriell Stelle may ReEnter and 
turn him out, for wch an action may be brought that will 
trie the title. IJ^^And note, where any of those have Free- 
hold rights [who] are under age, there guardians must Leas 
for them ; not a guardian apointed by the Governour, for such 
have no power Jn the Case; but either the person to whom 
the Father by deed or Last wil Jn his Life time had Comitted 
the Custody of Jnfant to; or where there is no such appoint- 
ment, by such person whome the Law C>omitts the Guardian 
ship of the child to ; that is to say, to the next of kin to whome 
the Jnheritance can't desend. John Kinsey, Junr." 

From tills it will be seen that John knew what he was 
doing, A Philadelphia lawyer could not have proposed a 
better plan. As might have been expected, John himself was 
nominated and elected the " Lessee " mentioned in the paper 
— '■'■ nemone contradicente," as the Clerk pompously put it. 

As the year 1731 has been reached in our narrative, we 
pause in the history of the litigation to note the advent ot a 
new Town Clerk, Edward Crowell. He served in this office 
from 1 73 1 to 1756 — a period of twenty- five years ! His is the 
longest term of service in this position in the township. We 
give a table of the Town Clerks down to 1800 : 

-1668, Joshua Pierce. 
1 669-1 688, Samuel Moore. 
168S-1692, Samuel Dennis. 
1693-1711, Thomas Pike. 
1712-1731, Moses Rolph. 
1731-1756, Edward Crowell. 
1757-1769, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. 
1769-1773, Daniel Moore. 
1773-1783, Robert Fitz Randolph. 
1 783-1 784, David Frazee. 
1784- , Charles Jackson. 
1 788-1 794, James Paton. 



192 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



1 794-1 795, Robert Ross, Jr. 
1795- , Ichabod Potter. 

They were usually elected in the Spring of each year. The 
Freeholders began to hold meetings by themselves in the year 
1707. At first the Town Clerk was also Freeholders' Clerk. 
Thomas Pike and Moses Rolph served in both clerkships — 
but, although Rolph was succeeded by Edward Crowell as 
Town Clerk, he was succeeded by Thomas Gach as Clerk of 
the Freeholders. Here is a list of the latter Clerks down to 
1S15: 

1 707-1 7 1 1, Thomas Pike. 

1712-1731, Moses Rolph. 

1 732-1 770, Thomas Gach. 

177C-1773, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. 

T773-1784, Dr. Moses Bloomfield. 

1784-1790, 

1791-1815, Jonathan Bloomfield. 

Nothing more is recorded in the minutes concerning the 
Sonmans-Stelle affair until 1734. A meeting was held March 
29th, 1732, but only to elect a Clerk and appoint a committee 
to adjust certain inequalities in the division of the public land. 
On the 4th of February, 1734, we observe that John Kinsey 
and Moses Rolph are superseded by Ezekiel Bloomfield and 
Shobal Smith in the management of the law-suits. The 12th 
of March was set down for the next meeting. A number met 
in the appointed place on that day; but they immediately 
adjourned to the ist of April, when Richard Cutter was 
chosen Moderator and a tax of seven shillings was levied on 
each Freehold for carrying on the law-suit against Sonmans 
and Stelle. 

The new Clerk did not improve, in the matter of spelling. 
upon the efforts of his predecessors. A vendue becomes a 
"vandew" under his magic quill; Pabiaek Neck becomes 
" papioc nack." In speaking of the disbursement of money to 
Moses Rolph, he says (Oh, shade of Noah Webster!) that ii 
was ^- Dis busted" to him ! We can fixintly imagine the fright- 
ened look Moses had when his money " cut up " in that way. 
If he was a 3 fond of the shillings as the people of to-day, he 



TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. I93 

held on in spite of the "busting." When our Clerk wants to 
tell us that certain lands are held by the Freeholders, we arc 
shocked to read that these places are " hell " by them ! Not 
pleasant localities, we should say. 

On the first Monday in May, 1734, the Freeholders deter- 
mined to lay out all the land claimed by Sonmans and Stelle 
and divide it by lot — this allotment to be known as the 
seventh division of the Woodbridge commons. As the law- 
suit was still in progress, an assessinent of 14^'. on each Free- 
hold was made to meet the expense. Though the seventh 
division was made, according to resolution, yet it is certain 
that the Freeholders never entered into permanent possession 
of it; for Peter Sonman, Sr., having died in March, 1734, 
young Peter, his son, and Samuel and John Nevill, his broth- 
ers-in-law, made an offer in 1737 for the land in dispute, wliich 
was wisely accepted by the Woodbridge men. The case, 
which was in the Supreme Court, was, previous to this offer, 
allowed to go by default against the Sonmans party (and this 
involved the failure of Stelle's claim also), and the lon^y 
struggle of twenty-eight years was ended. 

It is worthy of note that John Kinsey's plan w^as in opera- 
tion to the last — Henry Freeman being the lessee at the time 
harmony was restored between the litigants. 

The offer made by the Sonmans party was very favorable to 
Woodbridge. It was this: If the Freeholders would give the 
Sonmans party a clear and perfect title to the land (120 acres 
within the Woodbridge bounds on the Amboy line), they 
would give the Freeholders, as compensation, perpetual 
exemption from all quit-rents past, present, or future, by 
surrendering to them three and a quarter proprietary rights 
forever. The Freeholders did well to accept this; for since 
John Pike, in 1709, began the legal battle, no benefit of any 
consequence had accrued to them from the territory — and no 
greater benefit could be desired than was offered in 1737. 

On the 17th of May, 1737, the Freeholders met and voted 
that the land recovered from Col. Gabriel Stelle should be 
sold to as great advantage as possible, and the proceeds be 
devoted to paying such as had advanced money for carrying 
forward the law-suits, etc. Mr. Kearney (Philip, doubtless, of 

M 



194 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Perth Amboy), who was the lawyer employed, was voted a 
suitable fee out of the forthcoming sale. This was to occur on 
the third Tuesday in June at twelve o'clock. The surplus 
proceeds (i. e., the money in excess of the objects named 
above) were to be divided among the Freeholders equally. 
On the day^designated for the sale a goodly number undoubt- 
edly assembled at John Heard's house, the place appointed, 
but we do not find that any one purchased the land. 

Turning to the Town Book for a moment, we observe that 
nothing has occurred, in the annual Town Meetings, of 
unusual interest. The election 'of officers and the regular 
taxes comprise nearly all the matter on record. The meeting 
of March nth, 1735, varied the monotony a little by resolving 
to lease the School Land for a term of years not exceeding 
ten. After this gleam of intelligence we are again left in the 
dark. It we felt inclined to 'pun we "should say the Town 
Clerk was both Crowell and cruel. 



CHAPTER XV ILL 

1738—1770. 

England and France at War — The Sixth Division Dif- 
ficulties — The Eighth Division — Woodbridge in 1748 
— An Old House — James Parker, the Printer — First 
Printing-Press in New Jersey Located at Wood- 
bridge — Incidental Matters. 

The land that was recovered from Gabriel Stelle was not 
sold, if we may judge by the proceedings of the meetino- of 
Freeholders held on the 28th of March, 173S; for a committee 
was appointed to prosecute individuals who were guilty of 
taking timber from it. Three years intervene before another 
record is made. The gathering alluded to (March 30th, 1741) 
was of little consequence — an order for the survey of the 
common land being the only subject of interest under dis- 
cussion. In fact, the meetings of the Freeholders beo-an to 
grow uninteresting and infrequent. It may be that the dis- 
turbed condition of the Province had something to do with 
their indifference. Lewis Morris had been appointed Royal 
Governor of New Jersey in 173S and continued in oiRice until 
his death, in 1746; during which time unseemly quarrels 
between him and the Assembly prevented the transaction of 
any public business. Added to this was the fact that a war 
was brewing between England and France, which broke out 
in 1744; and soon the smoke of the conflict arose over the 
American colonies. In 1748 the two great powers entered 
into treaty relations and the contest ended. Peace did not 
endure a great while. France pressed her claim for the 
territory in the northwest in 1749. Another war was begun 
in 1754, known as the French afid Indian War, which was 
concluded so gloriously for England in 1763. For a long time 
during these distracting events the British ministiy was so 
feeble in its policy and efforts with respect to the colonies that 



196 WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

it Avas feared that the French and their subtle Indian allies 
would overrun the settlers. It is, therefore, not a marvel that 
our fathers grew careless of their records; for if the tide o* 
fortune should set against them and they were driven from 
their homes, of what benefit would be their divisions and 
surveys and grants of land ? 

Two years elapsed since their last meeting. March 28th^ 
1743, they met again, to consider certain claims to the sixth 
division lots, which had been authorized over twenty-two 
years ago. 

They assembled next on the 20th of April, 1744, when 
a standing committee, for hearing complaints and correcting 
mistakes growing out of the division of the commons, was 
appointed. This committee consisted of Robert Hude, James 
Smith, Richard Carman, and David Donham. The quit-rents 
due to the Freeholders were ordered to be collected, by virtue 
of the proprietary rights obtained of young Sonmans and the 
Nevills. 

A long interval ensues. On the 19th of June, 1749, after 
five years of inactivity, a brief session was held. Samuel 
Moore, Shobal Smith, and James Brown were added to the 
standing committee, elected in the last meeting, for adjusting 
matters relating to divisions of public land. 

The errors in some of these divisions, especially in the 
sixth, must have been very gross. Indeed, almost all the 
trouble grew out of the sixth series of lots. Benjamin Par- 
cost's assigns complain, in this very meeting, that "by reason 
of sum mistack," they cannot enjoy the land they should have 
had. The cause of these mistakes is not difficult to discover 
The sixth division was ordered January i6th, 1721 — each Free- 
holder to have any tcnappropriated land he chose in his ijnmcdiatc 
neighborhood to the value of ^\^. This plan was a great blun- 
der. Two neighbors may select the same field, which may be 
contiguous to both; and because both cannot own it, jealousy, 
bitterness and strife are engendered, life-long enmities created 
and numberless obstacles placed in the path of local improve- 
ment. In some cases the most valuable lands would be 
within the reach of the few, and this would lead to conten- 
ions ; and disputes would arise as to how much more valua- 



TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 197 

ble this meadow was than that, and hoAV many acres ^i^ 
ought to purchase in the different localities. It was now 
twenty-eight years since the sixth division was authorized, 
and yet the difficulties attending its settlement were, appar- 
ently, as insurmountable as ever. We find bvit few of the lots 
recorded. Those surveyed in the right of Samuel Smith, 
George March, Jonathan Donham, and William Compton 
were located in 1721. Ten shillings' w^ortli of land in Jona- 
than Donham's right in the sixth division was not laid out 
until 1763; eighteen shillings' worth in John Insley's right 
was not surveyed and allotted until 1758; etc. It w^ill be 
seen, therefore, that a generation, at least, passed away before 
this allotment was adjusted. It is doubtful whether it ever 
was satisfactorily settled. 

Another long period of silence occurs in our Freeholders' 
affairs. Nine years have nearly passed when, on the 14th of 
March, 1758, they meet again. Perhaps they assembled rather 
to discuss the French and Indian War, then in progress, than 
to do any serious business; for they adjourned to the 20th 
without passing a single resolution. New Jersey raised 1,000 
men for this war during 1757-8, and every hamlet in the 
province was, therefore, interested as to the issue. 

On the 20th, Shobal Smith was chosen Moderator, and then 
was discussed another division of the public domain — the 
eighth. William Kent was elected Surveyor, to lay out the 
remainder of the town commons. We have been unable to 
discover any further facts relating to the eighth division. 

The next record of a meeting is made in 1774 by Dr. Moses 
Bloomfield, Freeholders' Clerk. During the long interval of 
sixteen )'ears the proceedings of these men are involved in 
profound mystery. We shall revert to Dr. Bloomfield's clerk- 
ship by and by. 

It may be interesting to our readers to know what was the 
general aspect of the town at the period of which we have been 
writing in this chapter. Thanks to Prof Peter Kalm, the 
Swedish botanist, who traveled through this section in October, 
1748, we have a brief, but very interesting description of its ap- 
pearance. (See Kalm's Travels in N. Amcr., I., p. 181.*) Here 
it is : 

'' Hatfield's Eliz., p. 374. 



198 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

"Wood-bridge is a small village in a plain, consisting of a 
few houses; we stopped here to rest our horses a little. The 
houses were most of them built of boards ; the walls had a 
covering of shingles on the outside; these shingles were round 
at one end and all of a length in each row ; some of the houses 
had an Italian roof, but the greatest part had roofs with 
pediments ; most of them were covered with shingles. In 
most places we met with wells, and buckets to draw up the 
water." 

It is evident from this that the houses were well-built, and 
rather tashionable for that time. The pediment roof was very 
much in vogue, although it is seldom met with now. The 
shingles were carefullv cut round on the bottom like the 
scallops on a lady's garment. It is manifest that our fathers 
Avere a little proud in building their houses. 

One of the oldest wooden buildings now standing in Wood- 
bridge is, doubtless, that belonging to 'Mr. William Inslee, 
near his residence, and now used by him as a sort of repair- 
shop. It is said to be of a date long anterior to the Revolu- 
tion, and possibly belongs to the period of Prof. Kalm's visit. 
It is a one-story building and shingled on the out-side, where 
from old age the shingles liave not rotted from the nails and 
fallen off. 

The door is double, after the ancient style — the upper part 
swinging open while the lower remains shut. There are two 
rooms below with a small addition at the rear, and an attic 
above reached by a flight of stairs. The ceiling is low, and 
the heavy timbers overhead make it seem still more so. The 
great wide fire-place, suggestive of a sparkling blaze from 
huge logs and of a Winter evening's comfort, occupies a 
goodly proportion of the eastern side of the building. Two 
windows to the west and one to the south afforded the inmates 
a view of the public highway leading to Amboy and of the 
hills of Staten Island. 

Standing on the threshold we almost persuade ourselves 
we hear the noise of the spinning-wheel, and the voice of the 
spinner singing the psalm tliat was sung last Sabbath at 
Parson Roe's meeting-house. Perliaps it is Doddridge's 
hymn, Avrittcn in 1740: 



TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. I99 

"And Thou, my Go J ! whose piercing eye 
Distinct surveys each deep recess, 
In these abstracted hours draw nigh, 
And with Thy i^resence fill the place." 

Now evening comes; and from the distant field the husband 
and his stalwart sons draw near to greet the quiet little woman 
who lovingly Avatches their approach leaning upon the lower 
half of the door. She turns occasionally to see that the 
roasting venison over the hickory fire is not over-done. The 
cows come leisurely homeward, a little in advance of the men. 
The breeze lightly stirs the branches of the venerable trees 
near the house, the swallows twitter delightedl}- as they circle 
round and round, and tlie large red sun sinks slowly down 
behind the great forest across the road. Perhaps in the 
twilight, as the old gentleman sits outside the door enjoying 
the Summer evening, the parsori, returning from some pastoral 
visit, stops to chat a few minutes. The time of the Revolution 
is near at hand, and possibly the aggressions of England are 
the topic of conversation. If so, it is no fancy of ours that 
invests Parson Roe's figure with so much dignity. His 
pleasant face becomes stern as he denounces British tyranny. 
Possibly they discuss the cruelt}' of the commander of the 
English ship Greyhound, who fired into the little boat of Col. 
Rickets, of Elizabethtown, on Thursday, the 7th of Juno, 
1750, killing one of the party. '■'■ This circumstance occasioned 
a great excitement among the people of New Jersey, and there 
was much indignation manifested against the British. Such 
oppressive acts as these caused the anger of the colonists to 
wax hot against the government that pretended to protect 
them. 

At the rear of Mr, T. H. Morris' residence in Woodbridge is 
a part of a building that is very old. It is shingled on the 
side with the round-bottomed shingles described by Prof. 
Kalm in 1748, and was probably constructed somewhere about 
that time. It is a part of the old Elm Tree Tavern, which 
stood near the spot it now occupies; and it is not unlikely 
that Kalm's party stopped at this very place to rest their 

* Hatfield's EUz., p. 37.). 



200 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

horses. The tavern received its name from tlie fact that a very 
large elm stood in front of it for many years. AVhen the tree 
was cut down in 1837, its destruction being rendered necessary 
by its decayed condition, the circumference of it was thirty- 
two feet. It was averred that fifteen men could stand upright 
together within its hollow trunk. It was evidently a tree 
which Avould have proudly vied with some in the far-famed 
Yosemite Valley. The memory of it still lingers around the 
locality; and the writer hereof looks back with pleasure to the 
hours he passed in the Elm Tree Institute, which was for him 
truly an alma mater. 

It is fitting that we refer, in this place, to the disting-uished 
James Parker, primer, a native and for many years a resident 
of Woodbridge. He was born in 17 14. His father, Samuel 
(born June ist, 1674), was the son of Elisha Parker who 
removed to Woodbridge from Staten Island about the year 

1675- 

James was apprenticed to William Bradford, the first printer 
in New York, in 1725. Bradford was then publishing the 
New York Gazette. In May, 1733, Parker ran away and his 
employer advertised him on the 21st of that month. The 
cause, of Parker's absconding is not known, nor is it known 
where he betook himself for nearly nine years. The New 
York Gazette being discontinued by Mr. Bradford, young 
Parker began the publication of the Weekly Post Boy in 1742-3, 
in New York ; and this is the first that we hear of him since 
lie ran away. The Post Boy was published by him for several 
years. It was printed on large foolscap, one sheet of which 
was used for each copy. Few copies are now extant, and 
these are, of course, very valuable. 

It was in 1751 that Mr. Parker established his press in 
Woodbridge — the first printing-press in New Jersey. It is 
supposed, with very good reason, that his office was located 
on the lot adjoining and north of the present residence of Mr. 
David Demarest, about where Dr. Samuel P. Harned lives. 
Not only is this supposition supported by tradition, but also 
by the fact that individuals employed in cultivating land near 
this spot have plowed up metal types at different times. Mr. 
Robert Coddington says that when he was a boy, he, in 



TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 20I 

company with others, was accustomed to go to this locust 
grove and search for these types ; and many were found. 

Mr. Parker printed, on his Woodbridge press, the Legis- 
lative proceedings and many public documents. He still 
owned the New York Post Boy, but he resided in Woodbridge. 
Bradford, his former employer, died in 1752, aged 92, to whom 
he wrote and published an excellent tribute. He entered 
into partnership, with respect to his New York business, with 
William Weyman in the beginning of the year 1753, which 
was dissolved in January, 1759. In the previous year he 
began to publish at Woodbridge the JVew American Magazine. 
■This Avas the first periodical published in the State. Each 
number contained forty pages octavo, and was filled with 
a variety of entertaining and instructive matter. The maga- 
zine was issued monthly until March, 1760, edited by Samuel 
Nevill, of Perth Amboy, who wrote under the nom de plume of 
" Sylvanus Americanus." In 1755 Parker and John Holt 
became partners, the latter taking charge of the New York 
branch of the business after Weyman left it. Parker and Holt 
established a press at New Haven, and printed the Connecticut 
Gazette there, the first newspaper in Connecticut. In 1762 Mr. 
Holt leased Mr. Parker's New York press until 1766, when 
the latter resumed possession of it. He and his son, Samuel 
F. Parker, continued from this time to carry on the business 
until within a short time of the father's death, which occurred 
on the 2d of July, 1770. 

In 1 76 1 the elder Parker printed, on his Woodbridge press, 
the second volume of Nevill's Laws of New Jersey; and in 
1764 he printed a " Conductor Generalis," intended as a guide 
to Justices of the Peace. The latter publication was sug- 
gested, doubtless, by his own experience, for he was holding 
the office of Justice at this time. In 1765 he transported his 
press from Woodbridge to Burlington to accommodate Mr. 
Samuel Smith, the historian, in the issue oi\\\s History of New 
Jersey. The manuscript of this valuable work is preserved in 
the library of the Historical Society at Newark. It makes a 
book of 574 pages, printed in excellent style. Wm. A. White- 
head, to whom we are indebted for many of these facts 
concerning Mr. Parker, says of him, very justly, that "he was 



202 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

a correct and neat printer, understanding liis business per- 
fectly." 

After this important work was completed he removed his 
press to Woodbridge. 

He was a very busy man. The position of postmaster in 
New York was held by him for several years. At the time of 
his death he was Comptroller and Secretary of the postal 
department for the Northern District of the British Colonies, 
It is not improbable that his intense application to business 
made of him an invalid. He died at Burlington, whither he 
had gone to regain the health he had lost. He was brought 
to Woodbridge for burial. A number of the citizens of 
Burlington followed the funeral cortege for five miles out of 
town ; and a similar delegation from Perth Amboy met the 
sad procession near that place and attended it to the Parker 
residence in Woodbridge. The body was buried about six 
o'clock in the evening, in the Meeting-house yard, the last 
rites being performed by Rev. Mr. Preston, the Episcopalian 
clergyman. To this day no stone marks his place ot rest — a 
melancholy comment on the popular forgetfulness of the truly 
great and good. 

Janet Parker, only daughter of the distinguished printer, 
was married to Gov. Gunning Bedford, of Delaware, in 1796. 
Samuel F. Parker, the son, sold the press in Woodbridge soon 
after his father died, and leased the New York office. The 
Woodbridge printing-office was burned to the ground by a 
band of tories during the Revolution.'''' 

We now find ourselves on the threshold of that stirring 
period in American history — the Revolution. Before enter- 
ing it we return to the Freeholders' Book to note the last 
meetings therein recorded. Dr. Moses Bloomfield, an excel- 
lent penman, was chosen Clerk in the meeting of April nth, 
1774, which was held at the house of Charles Jackson. 

In a short preface to his regular minutes the Doctor tells us 
that Thomas Gage (or Gach) continued to act as Clerk until 
his death; after which James Eddy, his executor, delivered 
the books to the Freeholders on the 2d of April, 1770, when 

* So Robert Coddingtou says — anil others. 



TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 203 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was chosen to the vacant office- 
Fitz Randolph died in 1773, and the official books were 
surrendered by the administrator of his estate in 1774, and 
then Dr. Bloomfield was charged with the safe keeping of 
them. These books were two in number — one was a small 
volume containing the sixth division surveys; the other, the 
portly book now open before me. The former has been lost. 

No business was done on the nth of April beyond the 
election of Dr. Bloomfield as Clerk and James Eddy as 
Moderator. On Monday, the 25th, the Freeholders met again. 
Cortlandt Skinner was "unanimously chosen Moderator till 
another be chosen in his room." The meeting deprecated the 
" disorder'd unsetled situation " ot affairs — referring not to the 
state of the country, but to the management of the public 
lands of the township, etc. Resolutions v/ere passed favoring 
the appointment of a committee to investigate the right of 
suffrage among those who claimed the privilege of voting; 
directing stated meetings to be held, either quarterly or half- 
yearly; and constituting Reuben Evans Surveyor for the 
town. The committee just mentioned consisted of Samuel 
Barron, William Stone, Joseph Shotvvell, "of Perrytown," 
Samuel Jaquish, and David Kent. The general records were 
represented as being in a " very bad plight." The committee 
was therefore required to make out a new list of the present 
Freeholders, with a statement showing their rights and from 
whom they were obtained. 

Seven meetings were called subsequently, which were all 
compelled to adjourn because so few attended that it was 
impossible legally to transact business. Tlie last of these 
seven was on the iSth of April, 1775; but the minds of the 
citizens were now filled with excitement, and prosaic Free- 
holders' meetings were out of the question. On the next day 
after the date just mentioned the first blood of the Revolution 
was shed at Lexington. No other attempts were made to hold 
meetings. The smouldering fires of the war were fairly aflame 
and all private interests were, for a while, forgotten. 

We close the Freeholders' Book with a sigh ; for we have 
reached the last entry, save one brief record which is found in 
folio 108, and belongs to the year 1791. It seems as though 



204 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

we are shutting out the face of a friend when we turn these 
yellow leaves in farewell ; for we have spent long hours 
together in faithful converse. Doubtless the old book will 
survive many years him who now smooths its antique 
pages, as it has survived the many whose names are written in 
it. Reverently, therefore, we close the volume. 

Retracing our steps a little, we search the meager records of 
Liber B, and find a few items of interest. In the Town 
Meeting of March 8th, 1764, William Thorn reported that as 
Collector he had collected the dog-tax. The Town Clerk 
adds: "But ye meeting got into Confewsion and so Broke 
up." The reason is not given. Maybe some of the people 
objected to the dog-tax. 

In the meeting of March loth, 1767, the old Overseers 
of the Poor, having failed to make up their accounts, were 
required to meet the new Overseers at the house of Nathaniel 
Heard on Thursday, t!ie 19th. Heard's residence was situated 
about where William Harned's dwelling now stands. The 
old homestead of the Heard family is now in possession 
of Oliver Martin.'^' 

Many, if not all, the public meetings of the town were held, 
during this period, at the village tavern, kept by Charles 
Jackson. After his death, his widow performed the duties of 
landlady and entertained the annual Town Meeting for 
several years. 

The following "minute," under date of March 13th, 1771, 
seems curious: "That the Poor of this Town Shall be Sold at 
Publik vandue immediately after the buisness of the day is over 
next general meeting, & so to continue yearly & every year 
imtill it Shall be alterd by vote again." The idea is, of 
course, that the lov/est bidder should take care of the ])oor for 
the amount of his bid, to be paid by the town. 

In 1709 the amount raised for the poor was jQ,'2.^. The tax 
was never so low, subsequently, but twice: in 1714, when it 
was ^15, and in 1730, when it was £,20. Previous to 1764 
the highest assessment had been ^100. This was in 1755. In 
1763 it was £,(io. The following year it jumped to ;^2oo, and 

* So we are infoimed by A. V. Shotwell. 



TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 205 

the same tax was maintained the year after. A large influx of 
paupers must have contributed to increase the tax to this high 
figure. In 1766 it fell to ^^140; in 1769 it was at the moderate 
sum of ;£(>o. But in 1773 the poor claimed the unprecedented 
outlay of £212,- There is no account of a poor-tax levied 
previous to 1705, when ;^3o were assessed. 

In the meeting ot March 14th, 1775, it was " Voted That the 
Town Book [s] or one of them Be by Nathl. fitz Randolph 
Junr Coppyd in a good Bound Book by thee Next Town 
Meeting which will Be in thee year 1776 — & if t-d. Nathel f: 
Randolph Cannot attend, for thee Town Clark to Endevour to 
git Sombody Else to Do it as it is in a Dangerous Setuation 
by Reason of its being old & mutch to Peases." On the isth 
of November ;^2 2o were appropriated for the poor and the 
copying of the old book. Dr. Moses Bloomfield and Samuel 
F. Parker were appointed to examine and compare the copy 
with the original. In the March meeting (12th), 1776, Daniel 
Moore was chosen in the place of Mr. Parker to make the 
examination alluded to. It was resolved that Fitz Randolph, 
the copyist, should have the "priviledge to chuse John Smith 
of Amboy to Inspect sd. book in behalf of himself." And this 
is the manner in which we were favored with Fitz Randolph's 
excellent copy of the old town records. 

After the town gathering of March 12th, 1776, in the 
minutes of which there is not the remotest allusion to the war, 
no other meeting was held until 1783 — at least, none of Avhich 
any account is preserved. 

We append the following, in reference to an old bridge, 
which appeared in a Perth Amboy journal* recently, entitled, 
"A Relic of the Past": 

"A friend in Woodbridge sends the following copy of 
a document, the original of which was found by a gentleman 
of Philadelphia, among the papers of one of the old Wood- 
bridge families, the Fitz Randolphs, and appears to contain 
not only the names of those Avho did subscribe towards 
building the Bridge, but also those in the neighborhood whom 
the promoters hoped would do so : 

* Middlesex Co. Democrat, March, 1871. 



2o6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

"'Woodbridge June iith 1757. 

Proposals being made for building a good stone bridge 
across the great brook adjoining to Thomas Lewis', [now 
Jacques Venet's property] in order to encourage it, the follow- 
ing persons agree to give the several helps toward it as 
is annexed to their names, on condition that said bridge 
is actually built directly. Viz : 

James Parker (subscription illegible). 

Alexander Edgar, five load of Stone. 

Thomas Gach Esq. Six load of Stone & load of wood. 

John Bloomfield, three load of Stone. 

Jonathan Inslee, five load of Stone & load of wood. 

James Pike, four load of Stone. 

John Conway, 14 Shillings. 

Benjamin Bloomfield, 10 Shillings. 

Gershom Conger, 10 Shillings. 

Edward Barber, two days work and 10 Bushels of Shells. 

James Osborne, four days work. 

Thomas Lewis, twenty Shillings, 

Arthur Adlington, five Shillings. 

Thomas Hadden, two loads of Oyster Shells. 

Joseph Bloomfield, five load of ^Stone. 

William Thorne, ten Shillings. 

Mary Jackson, Seven Shillings. 

Daniel Noe, (if sent for) one load of oyster shells. 

Annanias Lewis, four Shillings. 

Joseph Shotwell, Jun., Seven Shillings. 

Daniel Shotwell, Seven^ Shillings. 

Jonathan Kinsey, one load of Shells. 

David Evens, two load of Stone. 

William Frazee, five shillings. 

John Thaxter, two days work. 

James C^Jrowell, three Shillings and Six pence. 

James Walker, Seven Shillings. 

Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph (uncle) two days work. 

Seriah Bunn, Seven Shillings. 

Nathaniel Heard. 

John Heard. 

William Kent, Cash 14 Shillings. 



TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 207 

isaac Tappen. 
Joseph Cutter. 

William Cutter, 3 loads of Stone. 
Richard Cutter, 3 load of Stone. 
Daniel Ayers. 

Nathaniel Pike, 2 days work. 
William Pike. 

Richard Wright, 10 Shillings. 
William Smith. 
Shobal Smith, 

Robert Stone, four load of Stone. 
Samuel Barnes (or Barron). 
AVilliam Stone. 

David Harriot, 4 load of Stone & one ot wood. 
George Harriot. 
Benjamin Alford, 3 days work. 
David Perkins. 

James Jones, three load of Stone. 
Jonathan Harned. 
Doctor Moses Bloomfield. 
Francis Compton. 
'Jacob Fitz-Randolph. 
Joseph Havilan. 
Joseph Thorne. 
Samuel Jaques. 
Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Whitaker. 
Henry Freeman, 3 Shillings and 6 pence. 
Isaac Freeman, 5 load of Stones. 
Alexander Freeman. 
John Freeman.^ 

Esseck Fitz Randolph, 5 Shillings. 
John Barron, 10 bushels of Shells and 4 days work. 
Isaac Fitz Randolph. 
Reuben Fitz Randolph. 
Thomas Thorp. 
Henry Martin. 
James Smith. 
David Dunham. 
James Brown. 



208 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

George Brown. 
Thomas Brown. 
John Brown. 
Wm. Smith. 

John Moore, 3 Shillings and 6 pence. 
Joseph Moore, 8 Shillings and 8 pence. 
James Kelly, one load of Stone if he can. 
Wm. Walker, 4 load of stones. 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, Blacksmith, 40 bushels of lime. 
Samuel Fourd, 2 load ot Stones. 
John Kent, i Shilling and 9 pence. 
Samuel Moore, Shoemaker 2 shillings and it pence. 
^ John Geddis. 

Andrew Brown, 3 days work. 

Robert Fitz Randolph. 

Jacob Fitz Randolph. 

Henry Freeman Junr. 

John Kelly, Jun. 10 Shillings.' " 



OHAPTEE XIX. 

• 1751—1788. 

The Quakers — Grave-stones Taken Down — First Quar- 
terly Meeting in Woodbridge — The Draft — Mend- 
ham Quakers — Rahway — Ministerial Friends — War 
Troubles — Rapid Decline in Woodbridge — The Rev- 
olution. 
We resume the history of the Woodbridge Quakers bj- 
opening the second- book of records, which is a well-kept and 
very legible volume. '-•" Much of it is of a private character. 
We shall spread before our readers only such facts as are of a 
public nature. 

At the monthly meeting held in Woodbridge on the iSth of 
February, 175 1, we find it stated that "Some friends hauino- 
been Consernd in Seting up grave Stones in our Buryino- 
ground, John Vail and Joseph Shotwell are desired to Treat 
v^^ith tliem and to desire them to haue them Remoued." On 
the 2ist of April a report was rendered that some had taken 
the stones down, but had laid them on the graves. Others 
had not done even that — the stones remaining in their orio-inal 
positions. On the iSth of the next month, however, it was 
reported that all the stones were taken down. 

The last Monday in May vvas a day long remembered 
among the Quakei's in Woodbridge. The Quarterly Meetino- 
assembled for tlie first time in the village. Heretofore this 
important body had met in Shrewsbury. It was with much 
gratification that the Friends at this place entertained those 
from abroad, arrangements for whicli had been in progress for 
along time. John Shotwell and Edward Fitz Randolpli were 
the representatives from the Woodbridge Montlily Meetino-. 
The Quarterly Meeting, as our readers will remember, was to 



* The pre-Ndous Chapter on the " Quakers" is the VI h, p. 50. 
N 



2 10 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

be lield henceforward once, at least, during the year at this 
place; but a communication from Shrewsbury asked that the 
time of holding it might be changed — May being regarded as 
an iinpropitiovis part of the season. The traveling during the 
Spring must have been decidedly wretched ; for with all the 
modern improvements the region around Woodbridge is even 
at the present day the muddiest of the muddy in the Spring- 
time. A native never comprehends these lines, or anything 

like them ; 

"Oh, how I love the Sprhig-time, 
When Winter's reign is o'er ! " 

He regards such sentiments as so many heartless jokes 
intended to recall the unhappy time when his wagon stuck 
fast in the road, and the wicked school-boys on Strawberry 
Hill bellowed out in a chorus: "Mister, your wlieel is turning 
'round! " 

The Quarterly Meeting referred the matter of changing the 
time to the Woodbridge Friends, who, after mature reflec- 
tion, decided that the month of May was the " moste suitable," 
and they desired its adoption as the season of the regular 
meeting. The Shrewsbury Quakers objected, but the first 
Quarterly Meeting in 1752 sustained the Woodbridge Friends. 

On the 15th of October one of the members here sent iil a 
letter to the Monthly Meeting condemnatory of himself for 
attending the marriage of a Friend who wedded a person not 
a Quaker. It illustrates the strictness with which these men 
of old endeavored to fulfill every duty enjoined upon them ; 
"Wharas I haue had my conuersation amongst the people 
called quakers and for want of a close walking up to the 
measur of grace Receiued haue gon to a marriage of a friend 
who married out of friends vnity for which I am Trewley 
sorrey for it and hartily condem my Self and desire friends to 
pass it by." 

Shobel Smith and Nathaniel Fitz Randolph were appointed 
on the i8th of June, 1752, to take care of the burying ground. 

The Monthly Meeting of February 15th, 1753, was held on a 
stormy day. Friends who had been to Shrewsbury were 
present, however, and had brought from thence a package of 
ten new books, all copies of a work entitled " Memories of the 



QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 211 

Life of John Roberts," by Daniel Roberts. We may imagine 
the eagerness witli which these volumes were read by the 
Friends. Frequently such were tlie gifts brought from 
Shrewsbury; so it is probable that the return of the repre- 
sentatives from that town was an event of some importance 
to their constituents. 

For some reason the Quarterly jMeeting of May, 1753, was 
held at Shrewsbury instead of being convened at Woodbrido-e. 
Small-pox prevailed at the former place, which intimidated 
two of the representatives from this town, but the third 
attended the meeting notwithstanding the contagion, it 
would appear from the minutes of July 19th that the protest 
of the Shrewsbury Quakers against the holding of the Quar- 
terly Meeting at Woodbridge in the Spring had at last proved 
effectual ; for the Summer session was held in the latter place. 
This Avas the season, for many years subsequently, in which 
the Friends met here in Quarterly Meeting. 

From the minutes of the Monthly Meeting, assembled on 
the 17th of July, 1755, we learn that legacies had been 
bequeathed, at different times, to the Woodbridge Monthly 
Meeting, amounting to ^100; besides the half-acre given by 
John Laing for building the Meeting-house at Plainfield. 

"in the same meeting the question "respecting a man's 
marrying his wife's first cousin " was considered, and it was 
decided that it was a difficult matter to determine. Neverthe- 
less, the prohibition of such marriages, heretofore existing 
among the Friends, was re-affirmed as the wisest and safest 
plan to be adopted. 

On the 19th of November, in accordance with the recom- 
mendation of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, a Ministers' and 
Elders' meeting was established in Rahway, to gather monthly 
at the house of John Vail, "on the third 2d day of the weak at 
Eleven oclock." 

A member of the fraternity living at Metuchen was reported 
as being addicted to intoxicating beverages, and he was, ot 
course, called to account. His excuse was that he took tlie 
draught as a remedy. In December he "acknowledges he has 
Sundery times Taken more liquour then was Servissable but 
not to be disguised thereby Except once when under a fit ot 



212 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

tlie cholick he took the Liquoiir for a Remedy." But on 
investigation this statement was found to be a slight deviation 
from the truth. Either the colic was very bad or the man 
thought it would be; for he took his remedy very industri- 
ousl)', the effects of which were visible. He was, therefore, 
publicly disowned by the Friends at Woodbridge. 

During the year 1756 a draft was made to fill the quota 
from this State of the soldiers required in the war against 
France. This contest was, of course, discountenanced by the 
Quakers, quarrels and warfare being contrary to their cherished 
principles. Stephen Vail's son was among the drafted men. 
On the iQth of February this appears on the record: '"Com- 
plaint is made that Stephen vail Imployed a person in the 
place of his Son who was prest to go to ye fruntears in order 
to ^ build block houses." In other words a substitute was 
procured, which was regarded as abetting the evil. Jon- 
athan Kinsey Avas also complained of for attempting "to 
Raise a number of men in order to Transporte prouisions 
to the armey Intended to attack tlie Subjects of the King of 
france." Several Mendham Quakers suffered some animad- 
version for redeeming their goods from the authorities which 
had been taken from them for refusing to " train " with the 
militia. A committee of enquiry, consisting of John Web- 
ster, Abner Hampton, William Morris, Jacob and Joseph 
Shotwell, was instructed to go to Mendham and notify the 
culpable parties of the dissatisfaction of the Woodbridge 
Quakers. In August the offending members, seven in num- 
ber, acknowledged that they had done wrong and were peni- 
tent. 

At Mendham a fifth-day Weekly Meeting was authorized by 
the Monthly Meeting of this place (for the Friends at that 
town were subordinate to the Woodbridge society), and a 
Preparative Meeting was also established there, to be con- 
vened once in three months. 

This entry, January ist, 1757, indicates that Railway mem- 
bers were growing restive : 

" Friends at Rahway haue Repeatedly made application to 
tlie monthly meeting for leave to build a meeting house at 
that place which friends at Woodbridge are oneasey with, and 



QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 213 

to put an end thereto it is Refered to the Consideration of the 
Quarterly meeting." 

.V The representatives brouglit word from that body, the sub- 
stance of which was that, in regard to the matter in question, 
it was "the Solid Sence of that meeting that a meeting house 
aught to be built at Rahway." Without further opposition 
the project was pushed forward. During February and 
Tvlarch much was done toward the new enterprise. Solomon 
Hunt, Samuel Marsh, Abraham Shotwell,'* and Benjamin 
Shotwell were appointed to purchase a suitable lot. Francis 
Bloodgood, Abncr Hampton, and Robert Willis were ap- 
pointed to assist in selecting the ground and determining the 
size of the plot. It was decided that the new building should 
be thirty-four feet lon-g and thirty feet wide. Meetings for 
worship Avere established on " first days " at Rahway, to begin 
at four o'clock in the afternoon — the vote for this innovation 
having passed on the 21st of April. The effect of it was no 
doubt apparent in a short time in the diminished attendance 
at the Woodbridge assemblies, a result long foreseen by the 
Quakers residing here. 

The use of odd names in the designation of different locali- 
ties is frequently illustrated in these as well as other ancient 
records. We read of a Quakeress who came from " Gun- 
powder " to visit those of her taith in this village. In 1758 
Abner Hampton made a journey to "the Oblong," in New 
York State, bearing the greetings of the Friends at home. It 
is possible that the shape of the meeting-house at the 
" Oblong " accounts for the name — this being given to dis- 
tinguish it from tlie square structures which almost universally 
prevailed. 

On the 19th of April, 1758, arrangements were made for 
building a house of worship at Mendham, to be built on land 
belonging to Robert Schooley. The size of it was at length 
determined to be "26 foot wide & 25 long " — a queer-looking 
piece of architecture to modern eyes. Its estimated cost was 

In December Abner Hampton informed the Friends that he 

* He lived at Eahway. Another Abraham lived at Metuchen. 



214 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

was "under a consern To vissit the Isle of Bcrbados and 
perhaps Sum of the adjacent Islands, and Requests friends 
consideration thereon, and a Certificate if they are Easey 
therewith." The certificate was given to him, but a general 
objection to his making such a long journey appears to have 
prevented his departure. The Quarterly Meeting discussed 
the matter and doubtless influenced Hampton's friends to 
keep him at home. 

At this time Thomas Lewis had the care of the Woodbridge 
Mecting-housc, George Parker had in charge tl)c one at 
Plainfield, Cowperthwait Copeland that at Rahway. 

Robert Willis was one of the most active ministers of the 
sect in this part of the country. He often made journe)^s to 
other places to the edification of those among whom he 
sojourned. On the 17th of April, 1760, he informs the Wood- 
bridge Friends that "he has been under an Ingagement of 
minde for sum time to Vissit the meetings of friends in the 
Southeron Provinses." His proposed trip was approved, and 
a commendatory certificate was given to liim. The record 
says: " He being under low Circumstances, Joseph & Abra- 
ham Shotwell are appinted to provide a hors & to furnish him 
with necessarys of all kindes Suitable for tliat Jarney." 

Sarah Shotwell was also well known as a speaker, and 
a pattern of humility and faithfulness. After her death a 
memorial was written by a committee, John Webster and 
Abner Hampton, which was adopted in tlie June Monthly 
Meeting. 

The senior John Vail (there were three Johns) liad some 
eminence, several years before, as an instructive teacher of the 
truth. Likewise was William Morris at one time an honored 
and useful minister who "went about doing good." 

In July of this year (1760) it was decided that Mendham 
should pay one-fourth of the money required for the treasur}- 
of the Woodbridge Monthly Meeting. A proposition was 
made in the following month to remove the Plainfield Meet- 
ing-house, which was rejected in September. Where it was 
proposed to move it, and why it was considered necessary to 
do so, are not stated. 

Robert Willis returned from the South in October, with 



QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 215 

pleasant testimonials of his useful ministry in and about 
"West River" in ISIaryland, which were a source of much "^ 
satisfaction to the Woodbridge Quakers. 

The minutes of the October Monthly Meeting are largely 
occupied with the report of the sufferings of those who refused 
to bear arms or train with the militia between 1757 and 1760. 
From the list given we learn that twenty-three experienced 
the penalty of the law — the heaviest fine being imposed on 
Hartshorn Randolph, tie valued the goods taken from him 
at ;2^3, j6s. When Jacob Laing, who was fined ^3, was 
brought before the officer, Col. Jacob Ford, he was asked what 
reasons he could give for refusing to accompany the expedi- 
tion against the Frencli. tic answered that " he was princi- 
pled against bearing arms against his fellow creatures." After 
several hours' detention he was permitted to go home — a 
distance of twelve miles. 

In 1758 Hugh Webster was drafted and taken three miles 
from his dwelling. Capt. Benjamin Stites, before whom he 
was taken, demanded that he should go into the service him- 
self or furnish a substitute. Hugh positively refused to do 
either; so he was led away eight miles further to a spot where 
the guard expected to find the company assembled. The 
soldiers, however, had marched away. He was left to take 
care of himself, and returned to his residence, stopping at Capt. 
Stites' house to inform him that his men had set him free. 

Several soldiers under (!^ol. Samuel Hunt seized the horses 
and wagon of Abner Hampton on the 24th of May, 1760, as he 
was driving leisurely along the road, nine miles from home. 
They wanted the team for the transportation of their baggage 
a distance of twelve miles. They endeavored to persuade 
Abner to dri^-e for tliem or procure a teamster, promising 
a generous remuneration. He declared that conscientious 
scruples forbade either his performing the task or receiving 
any reward therefor. The wagon was laden and the soldiers 
disappeared with it, the worthy Quaker pvu-suing his lonely 
way homeward on foot, with no very bright hope of seeing his 
horses again. But on the 27th who should drive up to Abner's y 
door but Azariah Dunham with the team all safe and sound! ' 

Such instances of devotion to their time-honored anti-war 



2l6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

principles served to strengthen tlie Friends in Woodbridge 
and its vicinity. 

In the early part of 1761 Robert Willis made a tour, in his 
ministerial capacity, to South River, " Isle White," Cider 
Creek, and Fredericksburg. In the same year Abner Hamp- 
ton and Joseph Shotwell (who vv^as, for many years, the 
excellent Clerk of the Woodbridge Monthly Meeting) made a 
fraternal visit to West Jersey and Pennsylvania. These 
journeys seem to have been the cause of much congratulation 
among all the parties concerned. Willis went to New York 
and New England in the Summer. He was apparently inde- 
fatigable in his ministrations abroad. 

On the 20th of August, 1761, three Preparative Meetings 
were established: one at Plainfield on the last Aveek-day 
meeting preceding tlie monthly ; one at Woodbridge at the 
same time before the Monthly Meeting there; and one at 
Railway under similar circumstances. 

The trouble .with Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, which began in 
January, 1759, threatened at one time very serious conse- 
quences to Quakerism in this place. Fitz Randolph became 
offended at certain utterances of two prominent members of 
the Society. Efforts were made to bring about a reconcilia- 
tion; but as Fitz Randolph would retract nothing and the 
accused members Avere proven to be guiltless, not much 
satisfaction resulted. The matter was not settled until 1762. 
The Monthly Meeting publicly disowned the refractory mem- 
ber; whereupon he appealed to the Quarterly Meeting, which, 
after a patient hearing of the case, referred it to the Wood- 
bridge Friends for re-consideration, b) whom the sentence 
was confirmed. As Fitz Randolph belonged to an old and 
influential family these proceedings created considerable ex- 
citement. 

During July, 1762, the question of holding several Monthly 
Meetings at Plainfield, instead of confining them to Wood- 
bridge, was mooted. The arrangement Avas altered so far as 
to include Rahway in the plan, when it Avas submitted (in 
1763) to the Quarterly Meeting. In May the programme Avas 
published, according to orders received from the Quarterly 
Meeting. The Monthly Meeting Avas to be held thereafter at 



QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 21 7 

each place four times a year, as follows ; At Woodbridge on 
the 3d fourth day of April, May, July, and August; at Plain- 
field on the 3d fourth- day of March, June, September, and 
December ; at Rah way on the same day in January, February, 
October, and November. This arrangement went into eifect 
immediately. 

That the Society began to wane in Woodbridge and grow 
in the other towns, is sufficiently evident in the minutes of a 
Railway meeting in February, 1766, where it is recommended 
that the Railway and Plainfield meetings should, "from time 
to time," appoint some of their members to visit those at this 
place. In May it is recommended that "as friends Feel a 
spring of Love in them selves they chearfully Give up to Go 
& partake with thir Brethren at woodbridge." 

Three years after this the Woodbridge Preparative Meeting 
was removed to Railway, and the Monthly Meeting held its 
last session in Woodbridge on the 19th of April, 1769. Hence- 
forth it alternated between Railway and Plainfield, in which 
towns the Quakers still have their strongholds. The Quar- 
terly Meeting, which, up to this time, had assembled a large 
number of Friends once a year in our village, was requested 
to be held hereafter at Railway, At an expense of about ^161 
the meeting-house there was enlarged for the reception of the 
delegates who met in it for the first time in August, 1769. 

In 1770 Robert Willis left his friends to go to Europe to 
preach the truth, intending to spend a portion of his time in 
Ireland. 

In October of this year the Weekly Meetings here were so 
thinly attended that it was seriously pi'oposed to drop them 
altogether. A Quaker who had come from a distance to 
worship at the old-fashioned meeting-house found that the 
service for that day was entirely abandoned. The " sclackness 
and Indifferency " of the Woodbridge members were freely 
discussed in the November meeting at Railway. 

On the 20th of February, 1771, a committee was sent to 
enquire into the dereliction of duty, viz: Samuel and Benja- 
min Shotwell, James Haydock, and Solomon Hunt. They 
found that no meetings had been held during the Winter, but 
a feeble effort was being put forth to recover the lost priv- 
ilcQ-es. 



2lS WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

In the July meeting of 1773, held at Rahway, we find that 
complaints were lodged against several Friends for " giving 
way to drowsiness." The ©verseers reported that they had 
"treated" with some of them with a view to keeping them 
awake during public service. Truly, sleeping in church has 
antiquity in its favor, though it has not devotion. 

At a Rahway meeting on the iSth of May in the following 
year, we see that the treasurer was ordered "to pay Cow- 
perthwaite Copland 26^-. 9^/. it being for Phisick for John 
Thorn his apprentice." We do feel sorry for John. Twenty-' 
six shillings' worth oi physic ! Whew! 

For several years the question of holding negroes in bond- 
age had agitated the Society. A report to the Monthly 
Meeting at Plainfield in August, 1774, shows that at this time 
only one negro "fit for freedom," within the jurisdiction of 
the Societ}^ remained a slave. 

Robert Willis returned in September from Europe, having 
visited the Quakers in England, Ireland, and Scotland. He 
brought certificates from Dublin and London expressive of 
the great satisfaction his sojourn had given to his foreign 
Friends. 

Meetings in Woodbridge for worsliij) were not yet altogether 
abandoned. The hour of service was fixed, in February, 1775. 
at ir o'clock in the forenoon for the "first day" meeting — the 
only one held here. In the Spring Jonathan Ilarned, Jr., 
fenced the meeting-house yard. 

We now begin to catch occasional glimpses of the difficul- 
ties surrounding the Quakers through the protracted struggle 
of the Revolution. Twenty pounds, proclamation money, 
were subscribed by the Rahway meeting of July 19th, 1775, for 
the relief of the New England Friends who were suffering by 
the war. Under date of June 19th, 1776, the following appears 
on the record : 

"This [Plainfield] Meeting is informed that Benjamin Ilar- 
riss has signed a paper for independency, and has suffered his 
apprentice to go in tlie army and has received His Wages." 
Several Friends tried to show Benjamin the error of his Avays, 
but he refused to give them any "satisfaction for his Miscon- 
duct." He was, therefore, cut off from their communion. 



QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 219 

The Quaker meeting-house here was occupied, during a 
part of 1776, by soldiers, as will be seen by these extracts: 
[Plainfield, August 2ist] — "This Meeting is informed that a 
Number of Soldiers have enterd some time ago, & still abide 
in the meetinghouse in Woodbridge. Joseph Shotwell, Ben- 
jamin Shotwell, Abraham Shotwell, John Haydock, John & 
Hugh Webster are appointed to enquire in what manner they 
have taken possession thereof, and whether they obstruct 
Friends from meeting quietly therein, & to visit tliat Meeting 
at times while tliey remain there." [Rahway. Sept. iSth]. 
"The Friends appointed to visit the meeting at Woodbridge 
& enquire how the Soldiers came posess'd of the Meeting 
house, report they took Posession of it without leave from any 
Friends ; they at times continue there yet, but dont much 
interrupt Friends in time of Meeting." 

The Winter Quarterly Meeting of 1776-7 at Shrewsbury 
was very slimly attended. The representatives from this 
section did not go, giving as the reason that they were "pre- 
vented b}' an Apprehension of great difficulty attending their 
passi-ng through the contending Armies of Soldiers." 

The Quakers in this vicinity during* the first six months of 
1777 were mulcted in the sum of ^252, 5^. ic/., for refusing to 
bear arms or to pay the war tax. 

Jonathan Harned having died in 1776, a beque.^t in his last 
will of ;!<^2o for the poor of the Society was put out at inter- 
est. In May, 1788, this legacy had been reduced to ^11, 17^". 
2d. — the remainder having been lost through the " old paper 
emission of the province," as the record expresses it. Jon- 
athan Harned Avas a good man. A little while before his 
death he manumitted Mai-y, his old colored servant; but 
promised, nevertheless, to supply all her wants until she 
should need them supplied no longer. 

Robert Willis, who might rightly be called the Quaker 
Missionary, had some idea of visiting the South in 1778; but 
"great commotions" in Plainfield, " occationed by War," 
prevented his contemplated journey. He was loth to leave 
his Friends in the midst of so much distress. A committee 
for the relief of sufferers was formed this )'ear, consisting of 
Abraham Shotwell, Wm. Smith, Hugh Webster, John Vail, 



2 20 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Wm, Thorne, and Elijah Pound. Subsequently Thorne re- 
signed and Edward Moore was chosen in his place. Thorne 
said, in the November meeting at Rahway, that he was 
compelled to affirm his allegiance to the Continental Congress 
several months before — having no choice except to do that or 
be thrown into prison. Elijah Pound did the same thing, and 
was, therefore, relieved of his position on the committee just 
mentioned, being allowed to resign. Under similar circum- 
stances and at the same time, probably, another Quaker 
living in this section got into difficulty. He says: 

"Whereas I, Marmaduke Hunt, was coming home, was 
taken by a Party of light horse and Carried to Morris Town 
Goal where I was confind in a Navisious room to the Injury 
of my health, and Deprived of the Necessaries of life to that 
degree that I could procure no more for my support but one 
meal for seven da)'s; in this distress liberty was offered me on 
condition of my taking the affirmation of fidelity to the States, 
which, through unwatchfulness, I submitted to." 

John Laing tells the same story. He, also, was taken to 
Morristown and locked up for several days in wh.1t he 
describes as a "very Loathsome goal," being liberated only on 
making affirmation of allegiance. 

Several tables appear on the record showing the articles 
confiscated for taxes and fines. The officers took all sorts of 
things: chairs, Bibles, shovel-and-tongs, andirons, spoons, 
kettles, bedding, cows, horses, oxen, hogs, basins, Avatches, 
corn, guns, pails, bellows, hay, sheep, tubs, overcoats, etc. On 
a warrant issued by Henry Freeman, Justice, Edward Moore 
was visited three times during 1780 by Daniel Compton, the 
Constable, for the collection of a tax of ^29, and a fine of 
^500. Two tables were taken at the first visit, February 
28th. The second call of the Constable, July 29th, resulted in 
a deficit of two calves, an Iron pot, a hand saw, an auger, a 
square and compass, broad-ax, drawing-knife, hammer, grind- 
stone, spade, and a hand-saw file. On the 9th of August the 
Constable came again. He only wanted Moore's cow this 
time. 

In the same year Jonathan Harned, Jr., of Woodbridge, was 



QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 221 

called on, first by Constable Corapton, then by Constable 
Peter Harpendine, on warrants issued by David Crow and 
Jeremiah Manning, Justices. These visits cost Harned " 3 
Sydes [of] Leather." Some time in February Compton car- 
ried off Mary Dunlram's tea table for unpaid war tax. Harned 
was subsequently called on for more leather, from which we 
judge that he was a tanner. Edward Fitz Randolph was 
compelled, in 1781, to surrender four and a half bushels 
ofwdieat. Among other things taken from James Flaydock 
we notice "13 chizzles " and a *' mouse trap." 

Among the officers, civil and military, who were conspicu- 
ous in enforcing the existing laws against non-combatants, 
were James Edgar, David Dunham, David Crow, and David 
Crowell, Col. John Webster, Col. Moses Jaques, Sergt. James 
Bishop, Sergt. Benjamin Scars, Sergt. James DeCamp, Col, 
John French, Capt. John Paine, Sergt. Joseph Marsh, Sergt. 
Abraham Morris, Col. John Hart, Samuel Fitz Randolph and 
Henry Freeman, Justices. 

But we must bring this chapter to a close by mentioning 
briefly several relevant matters. 

At a meeting held at Rahway, July 15th, 1784, the Friends 
determined to sell the meeting-house at Woodbridge. An 
unknown person offered to buy it, but the negotiations were 
broken off; for a while, at least. The old building has lonp- 
since been demolished, and the ancient burying-ground is now 
the property of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The Quakers began to build a school-house at Rahway, in 
1785, on the meeting-house lot. It was constructed to front 
the road, was twenty feet by thirty, and was one story in 
height. 

A new meeting-house was built in Plainfield during 1787-8. 
The plans were settled on the 15th of November, 1787. The 
dimensions of the building were to be thirty-four by forty- 
eight feet. A passenger on the New Jersey Central Railroad 
will observe the modest structure on the right as the train 
approaches the Plainfield depot from New York. It is 
substantially the same as when it was erected eighty-five 
years ago. A recent fire injured the southern part of it, but it 
was repaired in a style similar to the unburnt portion. This 



222 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, 

meeting-house does not stand on the site of tlie old one, but 
was built on ground situated near the house of '' John Web- 
ster the third " — so called to distinguish him from two other 
Johns. May it long remain as a memento of that time long 
past, of which all our dreams are poetic, but, which, alas ! 
was a time to many of bitter griefs and scalding tears. 



OHAPTEE XX. 

1761—1873. 

Thk Presbyterians — Rev, Azel Roe — The Metuchen 
Church — The New Woodbridge Church — Rev. Messrs. 
Mills, Barton, Martin, and Lucas — The Old Bury- 
ing-Ground. 

In a precedino; chapter (XV.) we brought the liistory of the 
Presbyterians down to the time of Rev. Azel Roe. In tlie 
present chapter we shall conclude our investigations with 
respect to this ancient Christian body. 

One year after Mr. Whitaker's removal from the Wood- 
bridge pulpit, in 1761, Mr. Roe, a licentiate of the New York 
Presbytery, was invited to preach on trial at this place. In 
response to a call tendered him he was installed and regu- 
larly ordained pastor of the Woodbridge Church in the 
Autumn of 1763. 

Mr. Roe was born at Setauket, L. I., on the 20th of March, 
1738,* and continued to preach at Woodbridge until the year 
ot his death, 1815. His style of preaching is represented as 
argumentative and very effective. He was a man of excellent 
address and commanding presence. His memory is precious 
to many who have never seen him, simply because of the 
heroic traditions that embalm his name. 

He Was a zealous man. He rode frequently over to 
Metuchen on horseback in order to hold meetings at private 
houses. Thus he won the affections of tlie people throughout 
all this region. 

The Metuchen Presbyterians had, for several years prior to 
this, effected some sort of an organization, holding meetings 
for religious worship by the courtesy and with the assistance 
of neighboring ministers. It is said that a rude structure 
served, during the early years, as a church — the one standing 

* Hunt's Hist. Metucheu — quoting Sprague'3 Annals, 



224 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

during the Revolution being the second which had occupied 
the same site.* The old one had originally been a barn, if 
tradition is reliable. On the 5th of August, 1767, the Me- 
tuchen congregation united with that of Woodbridge,f by 
which arrangement Mr. Roe's services were to be divided 
equally between them — preaching on alternate Sabbaths at 
the two places. In Mr. Roe's MS. church history we find it 
stated that " these churches were to be considered as one in all 
things of an ecclesiastical nature; in their government and 
discipline to have but one Session ; but separate and distinct 
in their temporalities." Until 1793 the Metuchen society was 
known, after the union, as the " 2d Presbyterian Church of 
Woodbridge;" frequently it was distinguished as the "upper 
congregation." 

An unfortunate dispute arose in regard to the disposition 
of the 200 acres of land left for the maintenance of the 
ministry of the township by the charter of Woodbridge. For 
several years the " lower congregation " had enjoyed it exclu- 
sively. Later, the "upper congregation" was permitted a 
share of one-third of the rent of it (^20). Still later, the 
Metuchen people asked for an equal share in the property as a 
right guaranteed to them under the township charter, contend- 
ing that, as Metuchen was within the township limits, and six 
or more of the original settlers were members of the " upper 
congregation," the grant was intended as much for their 
benefit as for the emolument of Woodbridge. This was 
denied by the latter; hence the dispute. The Woodbridge 
Church authorities say that "in or about the year 1768 they 
[the Metuchen Church] separated from us," and were re-united 
with the the lower congregation in 177 1 at the request of the 
Metuchen Presbyterians.;]; Now, neither Mr. Roe, in his MS. 
history, nor the historian of the Metuchen Church, makes any 
reference to any separation in 176S or a re-union in 177 1. 
Indeed, Mr. Roe says, after speaking of the original union of 
the two societies, "it pleased God, in the course of a fnv years, 
to visit this ii/iited church with the more than ordinary infiu- 
ence of his Spirit." But if the separation took place in 1768, 
one year after the union, and lasted nearly or quite three 

* Hunt's Motuclien, p. 29. t Ibid. t Brief statement, etc, by the Truatees. 



THF, PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 225 

years, why is no allusion made to it by Mr. Roe.' And yet 
such an episode may have occurred. We are searching for 
facts : not to establish any rival claim, but to make our story 
complete. 

In 1780 the Metuchen society paid Mr. Roe ^70 — onc-lialf 
of his salary. In 1787 (October), it was incorporated as the 
2d Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge ; and the first Trustees, 
Benjamin Manning, John Conger, John Ross, Ebenezer Ford, 
Ellis Ayers, Timothy Bloomfield, and Robert Ross, were 
elected on the 5th of April of the same year.*' 

In 1783 this Church was allowed one-third of the rent of the 
parsonage land, and in several succeeding years one-half of 
the rent was granted. t In 1792 the edifice at Metuchen was 
enlarged fifteen feet in depth, chimne3's built and stoves put 
up for the first time — foot-stoves having been tlie limited 
means of warmth heretofore indulged. The buiiding was 
now about thirty-six by forty. In this partial reconstruction 
application was made to the Woodbridge Church for permis- 
sion to procure the required timber from the "Great Parson- 
age," as it was called. The request, so the Metuchen people 
say, was evaded; and, instead of an answer, the lower congre- 
gation asked that the two churches should "jointly apply to 
Presbytery " for an assistant minister. Metuchen not acced- 
ing, Woodbridge alone applied for a separation in October, 
1792, but without success. The Presbytery of New York met 
at Orange, N. J., on the 9th of May, 1793, when the applica- 
tion was renewed by the Woodbridge Presbyterians for a 
separation from the Metuchen Church, which was granted. 

In 1794 (April 2 2d) a call was given to Rev. Henry Cook, 
of Morris county, who on the ist of May became the pastor at 
Metuchen, receiving a salary of ^120. 

The law-suit between the two churches in regard to the 
parsonage land was begun in 1795 ^^^ ^^s prosecuted by the 
Metuchen congregation with great vigor until 1800, when the 
Court of Errors, to which the case had come up from Chan- 
cer), confirmed the previous decision in favor of the Wood- 
bridge people by a vote of eight to five. 



* Dr. Hunt's Metuchen, p. ;!2. t Ibid., p. 30. 

O 



226 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

It is eminently proper that the matter in dispute should be 
impartially stated. We shall make the statement succinctly 
without comment : Metuchen claimed the land in part because 
the grant was asserted to be for the maintenance of the 
ministry of the town of which Metuchen was a part, some of 
its residents being among the earliest settlers. To this Wood- 
bridge responds : It was intended for the town ministers, but 
for the ministers in succession, not for those of different congre- 
gations ; besides, Metuchen has no title to this property, while 
Woodbridge /^fli' a title to it of excellent character. If there 
were any doubt in regard to the purpose for which the land 
was appropriated, is not that doubt solved by the uniform 
action of the Freeholders in permitting its use for the succes- 
sive ministers of the Woodbridge Church only ? To which, 
in effect, Metuchen makes answer; For many years we were 
part and parcel of that Church, and" we did not surrender our 
right to the land when we separated from it. As there was 
no other congregation but the one at Woodbridge for a long 
time, no occasion was given for any deviation from the 
uniform action of the Freeholders. Their action would have 
sanctioned a division of the land had they foreseen a division 
of the Church. Woodbridge replies: If all the churches in 
the township were to share in the property it would necessi- 
tate endless divisions and sub-divisions, and defeat the very 
purpose for which it was granted. Hence it is improbable 
that the property was left in such uncertain tenure. 

This, we believe, is the substance of the arguments pro and 
con. 

At the age of fifty-live Mr. Cook died (in 1824), having 
spent thirty years among the people of Metuchen as their 
pastor.* He married twice, and the four daughters who 
survived him are now dead. He is spoken of as an ordinary 
man physically, but as an exceptionally good preacher. 
What consolation there is in that fact for a homely clergy- 
man ! Mr. Cook was a good man and his death was lamented 
by a large circle of affectionate friends. In 1818, during his 
ministry, a revival resulted in the addition of one hundred and 



Hunt's Metuchen, p. 37. 



THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 227 

seventeen to his own, and a number to the neighboring church 
(Baptist), at Piscataway. This gracious event greatly invig- 
orated the membership, and much of its. fruit was gathered 
"after many days." 

A small house and a lot were purchased in 1795 for ^200, 
which were known for a long time as the Metuchen parson- 
age property. Ellis F. Ayers now occupies the premises. A 
small lot was added to the parsonage land in 1807. 

Mr. Cook's successor was Rev. Michael Osborn, who was 
installed February 23d, 1825, at a salary of $400 per year. He 
was born on the 21st of March, 1796, and died at Farmville, 
Va., July 3d, 1863. His ministerial life was largely spent in 
the South. After a little more than two years he severed his 
connection with the Metuchen Church, and went to Schraal- 
enburg, N. J., as pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church at that 
place."* 

Rev. Holloway Whitfield Hunt, son of Rev. Gardiner A. 
Hunt, was the next preacher at Metuchen. He was born at 
Kingwood, N. J., March 31st, 1800. His installation occurred 
on the 29th of April, 1828, and his pastorate continued about 
eighteen years. 

A new church was proposed in 1834 and was completed and 
dedicated January 30th, 1836, The dimensions of this build- 
ing were forty by sixty feet. 

After Mr. Hunt's resignation. Rev. Peter H. Burghardt 
became pastor November 30th, 1847, and resigned June 5th, 
1850. He was born at West Stockbridge, Mass. Rev. Robert 
J. Finley was the successor of Mr. Burghardt, and was 
installed November 14, 1850. He remained in Metuchen until 
October, 1857, when he went to Talladega, Ala., where he died 
in i860. 

Rev. Gardiner S. Plumley, the present able pastor of the 
Metuchen Church, succeeded Mr. Finley, and was installed 
April 28th, 1S58. Mr. Plumley was born at Washington, D 
C. He wields a facile pen and is favorably known as a 
lecturer. But there is little need for us to speak of this 
talented preacher in terms of laudation. Is his name not 
written in the hearts of his people ? 

' Dr. Hunt's Metuchen, p. 41. 



228 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

The spire which adorns the Metuchen Church was con- 
structed in 1863, and in June, 1865, a bell was placed in it.* 
The number of communicants in 1870 was 250. Soon after 
Mr. Finiey's departure, in 1857, about lorty members seceded 
and organized a Dutch Reformed Church which is now in a 
flourishing condition. 

With this brief sketch of tlie Metuchen Church we return to 
the parent congregation at Woodbridge. 

Rev. Azel Roe continued to grow in the affections of his 
people, and some pleasant things are told of him. He became 
prominent as a patriot, warmly aiding the cause of liberty by 
voice and action. On one occasion he incited some of his 
members to assist a company of Continental troops in attack- 
ing some British soldiers near Blazing Star. He was in this 
skirmish, the result of which is unknown. Subsequently he 
was taken prisoner and removed to New York, where he was 
compelled for a time to accept the dubious hospitality of the 
Sugar House prison. On the way the British officer, who had 
charge ot him, offered to carry the rather portly and reverend 
gentleman across a small ford. With true ministerial regard 
for his shoes and stockings, the preacher bestrode the back of 
his amiable escort, facetiously remarking; " Well, sir, you can 
say after this that you were once priest-ridden. "f 

The drinking of intoxicants was universally indulged in at 
this time, and the preachers were not at all disgraced by taking 
a "wee bit" occasionally, and the excellent Dr. Roe was no 
exception to the general rule. The matter was not looked 
upon at that period with the reprobation which now attends 
it. Dr. Hunt, of Metuchen, tells of an expected visit of the 
pastor to Dugald Campbell's house in that place on a cold, 
blustering day in March. Henry, tlie son, remembers that his 
mother came to the door and called to his father : "Dugal! 
Dugal ! Don't you know tliat Parson Roe is to preach here 
to-night, and we haven't got a drop of sperits in the house.'' " 
And the generous host responded : " Well, then, one of the 
boys will have to go and get some." Accordingly, a messen- 
ger was dispatched to Brick town for the liquor. 

* Hunt's Meluchen, p. 4). t Hunt's Metuchen, 34, quoting Spraguys /.nials. 



■ THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 329 

From reliable tradition we know that the people regarded 
it as a breach of hospitality for them to fail to provide 
" sperits " for the honored guest, and we suspect that not a 
little was the pastor's popularity enhanced by his hearty 
appreciation and acceptance of the " flowing bowl." Not that 
he ever drank immoderatel)^ Nor do we, at this late day 
" cast a stone " at those who conformed to the usage of wliich 
we speak, for it is not within our province to sit in judgment 
on such cases as these; and, if it were, we should judge 
leniently, for how should we dare to stretch forth our hands 
"against the Lord's anointed".^ God used these men, and to 
Him alone belongs^ the judgment of them. They were weak 
and sometimes sinning — but which of us is strong and wholly 
pure.' Will unfriendly hands, in days to come, turn over the 
faded leaves ot your life's history and find no blot, no mis- 
Lake, no sin .' We make no apology for wickedness ; it has 
our unqualified hatred. But these men of yore were so true 
and so good, Avith all their errors, that we feel like taking the 
language from the sacred lips ot the Master: "He that is 
without sin among you let him first cast a stone." 

In April, 1803, "the people set about building them a new 
house of worship, their present house being old and going to 
decay, having stood for almost a century."'- So 'Says Dr- 
Roe; but as the ancient building in Woodbridge was erected 
in 1675 it must have been juore than a century old at the time 
the new structure was begun. It was, indeed, one hundred and 
t7vcnty-eight years since the frame ot the meeting-house was put 
up. The good Doctor (Mr. Roe was honored by Yale College 
in 1800 witii the degree of D. D.) says that the new building 
was imdertaken with "great unanimity and spirit," and that it 
was "almost finished by the Fall, so that it was opened and 
consecrated in the beginning of December." It is described 
as "a very decent, convenient house, sufficiently large and 
spacious." As the structure still stands, with but slight altera- 
tions, on the old " Meeting-house Green," no extended descrip- 
tion of it will be necessary. We hope it will be permitted to 
remain substantially as we now see it, with its old-fashioned, 

* Dr. Roe's MS. Church History. 



23° 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINrrV. 



tall, white steeple pointing heavenward for many years after 
the present generation has passed away. 

It may not be amiss to give a list of the subscriptions toward 
the building of the new church. The paper was circulated in 
April, 1802, with the understanding that a fourth part of the 
amount each man subscribed was to be paid in August ; a 
fourth in January, 1803; a fourth in July, and the remainder 
in January, 1804. The money was to be applied to the erec- 
tion of a Presbyterian Church, as the paper states, " nearly 
where the old one stands," to be sixty-six by forty-six feet, 
with posts twenty-four feet high and enclosed with shingles. 
Here is the list of subscribers: 



— Campyon Cutter $250 

Timutby Brewster 250 

Joseph Barron 250 

William Edgar, J r 200 

Samuel Harriot, Jr 25 

John Brown 100 

John Barron 100 

David Edgar 100 

James Edgar 100 

Samuel Brown 40 

Kobert Moores 50 

James Coddington 20 

Ephraim Harriot 50 

Robert Coddington 80 

■"^Samuel Cutter 40 

Philip Brown ^ 80 

Israel Dissosway 50 

Edward Munday, B. S. work 20 

Richard Wright 150 

Foreman Brown 60 

Ellis Crow 25 

Isaac Potter 80 

Jonathan Freeman 100 

John Conway 100 



Crowell Haddeu $40 

Morris Reed 25 

Thomas Jackson 30 

Daniel B. Moores 100 

Peter W. Gallaudet 20 

Joseph Bloomtield 100 

Clarkson Edgar 200 

Henry Dunham 10 

James Smith 200 

Thomas Edgar 150 

Elias Thomson 20 

David Tappen 20 

Ichabod Potter 100 

Alexander Edgar 40 



James Paton 

John Manning..., 
James Biown, Jr, 



100 

60 

50 

Jotham Coddington 15 

Thomas Acken 6 

Doct. Jo: Griffith 10 

Samuel Jacjucs 5 

William Laing 5 

Seth Dunn 16 



Tlie following statement of the financial manager, David 
Edgar, will be interesting to our readers: 

Dr. The Pdrish of Woodbridgc 111 account with David Edgar. Cr. 

1803 & 4. £. X. p. 



To Sundry payments to the hands. 

£. s. p. 

Receipts for work 712 1 

To sundry payments for 

material and receipts. ..1,221 

Commi.ssion at 3 per ct... 58 

Int. on money advanced. 17 

2,008 4 



By moneys collectrd and 
due on the Suhscrii)tioii 
lor building the Meet- 
ing house 1,779 11 

By Sales ot Sundries at 
"Vendue 85 8 

By Balance due me .43 4 



2,008 4 



THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 



2^"^ 



1806. 

March 19tb, To balance 

due me 14 

Errors excepted. 
Paid John Kinsej'.... 



4 9 



Contra. 





12 





143 
46 


16 

8 


9 




By a mistake in adding 

the Subscription 40 

By SethDunn 6 8 



46 8 



Due David Edgar 97 8 9 

March. 24th, 1806, the Committee appointed examined and certified the 
above account and find due David Edgar $243. 60cts. 

Copy Signed, 

Joseph Crowcll 
James Paton 
James Brown 
Joseph Barron 
P. S. David Edgar was authorized by a vote of the Parish to assess the 
balance due him on the subscribers. 

Among otlier public matters with which Mr. Roe's name is 
connected are several installations. On the occasion of Rev. 
David Atistin's settlement as pastor of the Elizabethtown 
Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 9th, 1788, Mr. 
Roe preached the sermon, choosing for his text Galatians i. 
10.^' The building was crowded with a serious and interested 
atidience. When Rev. John Giles was installed at the same 
chtuxh on Tuesday, Jtme 24th, 1800, Mr. Roe delivered the 
charge to the people.f He presided at the installation of Rev- 
Buckley Carll at Rahway on the 28th of December, 1802 ;J and 
at variotis other official gatherings we find Doctor Roe a 
prominent man. He was a trustee of the College of New 
Jersey from 1778 until 1807, a member of the First Presby- 
terian General Assembly, and Moderator of that distinguished 
body in 1802. He was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery 
at AVoodbridge and a suitable monument marks his place of 
rest. The following inscription is cut upon the stone: 

" Sacred to the memory of the Revd. Dr. Azel Roe, pastor 
of the first Presbyterian Church in Woodbridge, who after a 
life cheerfully, faithfully and affectionately devoted to the ser- 
vice of Jehovah Jesus, his Saviour and his God, and to the 
eternal interests of his flock, fell sweetly asleep in the bosom 



Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 597, 



t Ibid., 607. 



X Ibid., 633. 



232 WOODERIDOE AND VICINITY. 

of that Saviour, the 2d day of December, 1815, in the 77th year 
of his age and the 53d of his ministry." 

He was twice married. His first wife, Mary Rebecca, who 
died on the ist of September, 1794, at the age of fifty-five, was 
the daughter of Dr. Isaac Foot, of Branford, Conn. Hannah 
his second wife, was the daughter of a New York clergyman, 
Rev. David Bostwick.* She is spoken of as an eminently 
]3ious woman, and she died, " with a song of triumph " on her 
lips, November 28th, 1815 — only four days before her hus- 
band's death. 

As a preacher Dr. Roe is said to have been an able man, but 
not brilliant. He relied more upon the power of the simple 
words of the Gospel than upon the arts of an address. Not 
with enticing words of man's wisdom, "but in demonstration 
of the Spirit; " so he preached the glorious truths of salvation 
to the men and women of his day, the impress of which will not 
be lost, though the memory of the minister may fade in the " dis- 
solving view" of rapidly revolving years. Farewell, faithful 
man ! and may thy mantle fall on thy successors through many 
generations! And, as one by one they fall asleep, may they 
have as calm repose as thou, and as honored a resting-place — 
for thy parish is buried around thee. Many who heard thy 
voice in the church out yonder are waiting in profound still- 
ness near their pastor's lowly dwelling for the resi'irrection he 
taught them to look for. 

"So Jesus slept; God's dying Son 

Passed through the grave and blest the bed ; 
Rest here, blest saint, till from Ills throne 
The Morning break and pierce the shade." 

It will not be necessary, in giving an account of Presbyte- 
rianism beyond Dr. Roe's time, to dwell upon it at any length. 
Four ministers have filled the pulpit of the Woodbridge 
Church since his death. Rev. Henry Mills settled here as his 
successor in 1816, but left the place in 1821 ; and in the follow- 
ing year Rev. William B. Barton, then twenty-nine years of 
age, accepted the pastorate, the duties of which he continued 



* He was jiastor of the First Presbyteriau Church iu N. Y. City. See Dr. Stiles' MS 
luBcriptioue, ](>. 



THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 233 

to perform until his death, April 7th, 1852, at the age of fifty- 
nine. For nearly thirty years he was the beloved minister of 
this parish, and he is remembered by many now living as an 
excellent preacher and a godly man. His name is always 
spoken with affection by those who were accustomed to 
attend his ministrations, and it will never be forgotten by 
those whom he led to the precious Cross of Christ. 

His wife, Hannah Maria, was the daughter of Rev. Aaron 
Condit. She died infi827, aged twenty-three. Flarriet B., 
Mr. Barton's second wife, was the daughter of John Stanber}-, 
and her death occurred in i843.'^' 

The next minister was the Rev. William M. Martin, who 
accepted the pastorate in 1852 and resigned it in 1863. The 
Rev. George C. Lucas began to minister here in the year of 
Mr. Martin's departure and continued his connection with the 
Church until the Autumn of 1873, when he left the village. 
At the present writing the congregation is without a pastor, 
but there is a prospect of supplying the pulpit within a short 
time. 

In 1819, while Rev. Henry Mills was pastor, a large Sabbath- 
school was organized by the Presbyterians — said to be the first 
instituted in New Jersey. The three teachers elected were 
Sally Potter, Jane Potter, and Mrs. Harriet Paton. The 
school is still in successful operation, doing a good work. 
Mr. Mills, the preacher, was the principal, in 1802, of the 
Elizabethtown Academy. Subsequently he was connected 
with the Auburn (N. Y.) Theological Seminary. He was a 
man of scholarly attainments, and the degree of D. D. was 
justly bestowed upon him.f 

Unfortunately, a part of the official record of the Church is 
lost; and, of course, the facts contained in the missing portion 
are beyond our reach. But we gather up a few items of public 
interest, with which we close the chapter. The parsonage 
land of two hundred acres, concerning which so much has 
been said, was sold by the Presbyterians on the 6th of April, 
t86o, to Elias Dey, Cornelius Wyckoflf, and William Hutchin- 

* Dr. H. K. Stiles' MS. luecriptious. t Hatfield's Eliz., p. 560. 



234 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINI'lY. 

son, for the sum of $6,750." The following table, compiled by 
Whitehead, gives the number of church members at different 
periods : 

In 1787, 82 members; 1830, 160: 1831, 157; 1832, 170; 1S33, 
181; 1834, 184; 1835, 211; 1837, 196; 1838, 206; 1839, 198; 
1840, 201; 1841, 194; 1843, 242; 1845, 233; 1847,213; 1850, 
200; 1853, 163. 

In 1863, as we learn from tlie Church authorities, the mem- 
bership numbered 179; and in 1873, the present year, it num- 
bers 125. The Sabbath-school numbers over 100 scholars in 
actual attendance. 

Messrs. Martin and Lucas are both able ministers of the 
Gospel, of whose abilities it would not be delicate for us to 
speak at length, as they are still living. 

The Presbyterian cemetery at Woodbridge is one of the 
oldest in the State, and one of the most interesting in the 
Union to the lover of local history. In the great congrega- 
tion which lies buried here are the remains of distinguished 
men and heroic women. We see the graves of such ancient 
worthies as the war-like Capt. Matthew Moore, who died, aged 
sixty-six, on the 24th of February, 1732; the astute Judge 
John Pike, who, having attained the age of seventy-five years, 
died in August, 17 14; whether buried near his fatlier, the 
distinguished Capt. John, we do not know, as no stone marks 
the tomb of the elder Pike. Here, however, is Zebulon's 
grave and that of the third John. Zebulon was born in 1692 
and lived to be seventy years old. There lies Edward Crowell, 
born in 1680 and livinir for nearlv seventv-six years — twentv- 



* Deeds, Book 84, p. 613 ; in County Clerk's office. 

The following, taken from the laws of New Jersey, 18.")!), page '.'SJ, is the legal permit 

to the Woodbridge Pi'esbyteriaus to sell the Parsonage Land : 

1st. Be it Enacted by the Senate and Oeneral Assembly of the State of New Jersey : That 
the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge, County of 
Middlesex, are hereby authorized and empowered to sell, at jniblic or jirivate sale, all or 
any part of those laiids, known as the "parsonage lands" of the said Church, and which 
were conceded by the proprietors of East Jersey to John Piersou and others in tiust. for the 
use of the Minister for the time being; and to make and execute a good and sulhcient deed 
or deeds for the same under the corporate seal of said Church ; provided, nevertheless, 
that the wi-itten consent of all the trustees at the time of such conveyance be ot)tained. 

2d. And be it enacted. That when such sale or sales shall be made, the proceeds received 
therefrom shall be invested in the name of the trustees vipon bond and mortgage on unin- 
cumbered real estate, worth double the amount of such investment, and the interest 
only used toward the yearly expenses of said Church, incurred for the preaching of the 
Gospel. 

3d. And be it enacted. That this act shall take effect immediately. 
Approved March 15th, 1851). 



THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 235 

five years the Woodbridge Town C^lerk. This is Joseph Gil- 
man's grave; he was born in i6S8 and died in 1733. And this 
is the tomb of Major Richard Cutter, wh® was born in 1682 
and died in 1756. David Campbell is interred in this ceme- 
tery — born in 1700 and dying within fifteen years of the 
Revolution. And here is Jonathan Inslee, who was born in 
1686 and was buried in December, 1744. Yonder is the grave 
of James Smith, aged seventy-two when he died, who was born 
in the year 1700; while Benjamin and Ichabod Smith, born in 
the previous century, are resting not far away. Samuel 
Parker's wife, Sarah, the daughter of William Ford, lies 
buried here, her death being recorded as liaving occurred in 
October, 1768. Peter Pain was entombed, in his seventy-first 
year, in 1756. Capt. Daniel Britton, a prominent man in the 
township in his day, died in 1733, and his children lie asleep 
around him. At the rear of the church, almost within its 
afternoon shadow, is placed to rest the great Woodbridge 
Judge, Adam Hude, clarum et venerabile nomen, in his eighty- 
fifth year. He died on the 27th of June, 1746. Near him 
reposes his worthy companion, over whose grave are written 
these words : " Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Marion Hude, 
Wife of Adam Hude, Esqr: For ye Spase of 46 years dearly 
beloved in Life, and lamented in death. She lived a Patern 
of Piety, Patience, meekness and affability; and, after she had 
served her generation in ye love and fear of God, in ye 71st 
year uf her Age fell asleep in Jesus, Nov. ye 30, 1732." In 
this yard we see the burial-place of Henry Freeman, born in 
1670 and dying in his ninety-fourth year. All around us, as 
Ave stand on the consecrated ground, are the unpretending 
memorials of Revolutionary men and women. Here is the 
sepulchre of Gen. Nathaniel Heard, who died, aged sixty-two, 
October 28th, 1792. Others of the family are grouped in 
serene slumber, for 

" Life's fitful fever is over." 

Capt. Nathaniel F"itz Randolph, the brave and dashing 
chieftain ; Capt. David Edgar, the spirited cavalryman ; Lieut. 
James Paton, the courageous Scotch patriot; Maj. Reuben 
Potter, the faithful friend of liberty, and a host of others here 



230 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

take their "rest profound." Col. Samuel Crow, Col. Benja- 
min Brown, Capt. Ellis Barron, Capt. Abraham Tappen, Gen. 
Clarkson Edgar, and Capt. Matthias Sayers, of Revolutionary 
fame, are surrounded by many of the "rank and file;" and 
they wait, in the quiet grave-yard, for the grand reveille, when 
the army of the Lord shall shine in the clouds of heaven and 
the dead .in Christ shall awake to swell its numbers and shake 
the gates of Death with their martial tread. 

How suggestive of other days is the mere mention of the 
names of thoj-e who have "gone down the valley!" Judge 
Jeremiah Manning, Dr. John G. Wall, Justice Henry Free- 
man, Timothy Brewster, William Jones, Robert Coddington^ 
Samuel Jaques, Robert Lacky, Thomas Haddon, William 
Brown, John Alston, David Harriot — all tliese, and many 
more, are gathered within the hallowed precincts of this 
cemetery. It is probable that there are two thousand graves. 
The author counted nearly twelve hundred in Dr. H. R. Stiles' 
MS. volume of inscriptions; and, doubtless, as many more 
are without stones to indicate the lowly dwellers. 

And now, as we turn from the church-yard with the October 
hues brightly blending with the blue sky, and afar off 

"la the listening woods there is not a breath 
To shake their gold to the sward beneath ; 
And a glow as of sunshine upon them lies, 
Though the sun is hid in the shadowed skies" — 

we truly feel that, as the unknown poet in Black-dioO(fs J/aga- 
zi/ie, }ust quoted, recently expressed it: 

"No sorrow upon the landscape weighs." 

A true faith sees no sadness in a grave-yard. The Spring 
and Summer of life are gone, to which succeed naturally the 
Autumn and Winter. This before us is Death's harvest ; but 
will not Spring return.' 

" The Spring-time longings aie past and gone, 
The passions of Summer m longer are known, 
The harvest is gathered, and Autumn stands 
Serenely thoughtful with folded hands. 

Over all is thrown a niimo.ial hue, 
A glcry ideal tlie real ne'er knew; 



THE PRESBVTKRIANS, CONCLUDED. 



237 



For memory sifts from the past its pain, 
And siiflers its beauty alone to remain. 

With half a smile and with half a sigh 
It ponders the past that has hurried by ; 
Sees it, and feels it, and loves it all, 
Content it has vanished beyond recall. 

O glorious Autumn, thus serene, 

Thus living and loving all that has been! 

Thus calm and contented let me be 

When the Autumn of age shall come to me." 

Since the foregoing was placed in the ])rinter's hands we 
have had access to the Session Book of the Woodbridge 
Church, which contains the names of the Elders elected in that 
church from 1795 to 1831. We present the list herewith: 



179o — Cleorge Harriot. 

Joseph Crowell. 

Campyon Cutler. -^ 

Jonathan Bloomfield. 
1803 — Ephraim Harriot. 

Jonathan Freeman. 

Joseph Crowell. 

Campyon Cutter. ^ 

Jonathan Bloomtield. 
1804— The same Elders as in the 

previous j^ear except the last 

one — Jonathan Bloomfield. 
181- — Campyon Cutter. 

Ephraim Harriot. 

Jos. Crowell. 

Jonathan Freeman. 

Thomas Edgar, Jr. 

William Cutter. ^ 
1816 — The same men re-elected. 



1822 — The same men cho.seu, except 

Mr. Edgar, who left the place 

in this year. 
182i) — Lewis Thornell. 

Joseph Barron. 

Campj^on Cutter. .- 

Ephraim Harriot. 

Joseph Crowell. 

Jonathan Freeman. 

William Cutter. 
1829— John Drake. 

George Y. Brewster. 

Also, the members of 1823. 

Thornell went to New York in 

1828, but held tlie oftice of El- 
der in Woodbridge until March, 

1829, when he applied for and 
received his certificate of dis- 
mission. 

1831-Same Elders as in 1829. 



In the Session Book from which we gathered the list just 
given are a few additional facts in regard to the Rev. Messrs. 
Mills and Barton. It seems that on Tuesday, June nth, 1816, 
the Presbytery met in the Woodbridge Church and installed 
Mr. Mills; and on his application the pastoral relation was 
sundered June 19th, 182 1. The Rev. Mr. Barton was ordained 
and installed June 25th, 1822, Dr. Fisher preaching the ser- 
mon. Dr. Richardson gave the charge to the minister and 
Rev. Mr. Kiggs delivered the charge to the people. 



238 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

We find the names of only two Deacons mentioned in 
the record referred to — Lewis Thornell and Joseph Barroni 
who were elected at the same time to the eldership. Their 
election to the diaconate occurred February 8th, 1823. Mr. 
Barron died, aged sixty-eight years, on the 4th of July, 1831, 
greatly lamented as a citizen and a useful member of the 
Church. 



CHAPTEE XXL 

1775—1788. 

The Revolution — Taxation — Tea-Drinking — Old Heroes 
— General Heard — Scared by a Swivel — James Paton 
— David Edgar — Smith Bloomfield — Samuel Dally — 
Capt. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph — Timothy Bloom- 
field — His Daughter — Dr. Moses Bloomfield — David 
and Robert Coddington — Peter Latourette — The 
Inslees — List of Heroes. 
The causes which led to the war of the Revolution are so 
well known that it would be a wearisome and profitless task 
for us to dwell upon them. We shall not largely discuss 
them ; nor shall we give any particular account of the pro- 
gress of the conflict, having in view only its local aspects. 

In 1765 the English Government passed the famous Stamp 
Act, by which all deeds, bonds, and other written instruments 
were null and void unless executed upon stamped paper for 
which a duty was exacted.* It was to go into operation on 
the first day of November ;f but so violent was the opposition 
among the colonists in America, for whom the law was 
designed, that no stamp officer felt safe in attempting to 
enforce the statute. An organization, called " Sons of Lib- 
erty," was effected, which became powerful in its resistance to 
British tyranny. The " Sons of Iviberty" of Woodbridge and 
Piscataway were conspicuous during 1765-6 in their devotion 
to the cause of Freedom. They sent word, by a delegation, 
to William Coxe, of Philadelphia, that unless his office of 
Stamp Distributor tor New Jersey were vacated within a 
week, they would visit him in force with unpleasant conse- 
quences. J Mr. Coxe found it convenient to resign early, 
in September, 1765. 

" Goodrich's U. S., p. I'JO. t IbicL, 203. t Whitehead, p. 398. 



240 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

The Stamp Act was repealed in the Spring of 1766, causing 
great rejoicing; but in the following year tax was imposed on 
glass and some other imported articles, which again aroused 
the colonists. If they were allowed no representation in 
Parliament why should they be taxed.'' That was the ques- 
tion of the hour. A tax of three pence a pound on tea 
was' retained, but all other imposts were removed in 1770. 
The people resolved to give up the use of tea. Vessels sailing 
up the Delaware in 1773, laden with this commodity, were sent 
back to England without being permitted to discharge their 
cargoes on the Jersey shore. 

Speaking of tea reminds me that the first cup of this famous 
beverage ever enjoyed in Woodbridge or in the State was 
drank by a company of ladies, in the year 1730, in the build- 
ing now occupied as a drug store by Dr. Samuel E. Freeman. 
The tea was brought from New York, and was regarded as a 
choice article. Mrs. Campyon (a widow, who owned the 
house), her daughter, afterward Mrs. Cutter, Mrs. Van Cort- 
landt, and others were present. A discussion arose among the 
ladies as to the vessel in which it should be prepared. A 
tankard was produced and pronounced serviceable. Should 
the tea be boiled, brewed or steeped.'^ Various opinions were 
advanced; but the steeping party was in the ascendancy, so 
the tea was steeped. When it was ready to be served, it was 
poured out into diminutive cups, and the flavor of the draught 
was the subject of many comments. Cake was eaten between 
the sips, and this, perhaps, contributed toward the favor- 
able verdict rendered with regard to the tea.* 

Now, this nectar was to be banished from the table of the 
patriot. The tax on tea made the unoffending beverage itself 
obnoxious. 

A convention met at New Brunswick on the 21st of July, 
1774, made up of delegates from all the counties in the 
province, to consider the state of the country. The conven- 
tion elected representatives to meet those of other colonies in 
Philadelphia on the 5th of September. Thus was constituted 
that grand body of men — the Continental Congress. 

' Mrs. David Paton (Mrs. Canipyou's graud-daugUter) tells these iuterestiug facts. 



THK REVOLUTION. 241 

On Wednesday, April 19th, 1775, the war fairly began, for 
the first patriot blood was shed upon the green at Lexington, 
Mass. The excitement occasioned by this wanton massacre 
was intense. The feeling Avas as strong in Woodbridge as 
elsewhere. Tories were treated as strangers by those who 
hitherto had lived near them as neighbors. People gathered 
about the public places to discuss the latest nevi^s from Boston. 
The village tavern was thronged every evening, and the men 
sat late over their rum or cider, eagerly listening to the 
nervous recitals of travelers who had stopped for the night 
under the whispering boughs of the broad elm tree. There 
was a sober cast in many faces, as though the threatening 
cloud over the political sky, thick with storm, had left its 
shadow there. 

Suppose to-night we lean against this ancient tree a little 
while and glance in the tavern. The cheerful firelight from 
the blazing logs reveals the excited group. " Mine host," 
Charles Jackson, is prominent among his townsmen in the 
noisy discussion of British tyranny now going on. There, 
too, may be seen Ebenezer Foster, the Justice of the Peace. 
Possibly he is discussing current events with Robert Fitz- 
Randolph, Jr., the Town Clerk. Is that fine-looking man Dr. 
Bloomfield.'' He is talking with Samuel F. Parker, the 
printer's son, perchance; and talking wisely, too, for he is a 
man of great ability. There is the muscular Nathaniel Fitz 
Randolph, destined to become the terror of his enemies. Do 
you note the flash of his eye .-* ZT,? is not born to be a slave. 
They all call him " Natty," in a familiar way. You shall hear 
of him again before we close this volume. Near him we 
fancy that we behold another distinguished face, that of 
Nathaniel Heard, afterwards well known as Gen. Heard. Far 
in the shadow of the room, deeply engrossed in the conversa- 
tion of a belated traveler, stand, like a tableau, the figures of 
men whose names are so nearly forgotten that, when we hear 
them, they sound like faint echoes from some far-off shore. 
They are Robert Clarkson, John Shotwell, Benjamin Thornell, 
James Ayers, Samuel Jaquish, Isaac Freeman, Wm. Moore, 
Jr., James Bonny, James Mundy, William Smith, and others. 

Committees of Correspondence were organized in many of 
p 



242 WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

the towns. The Woodbridge Committee was actively at 
w^ork during this year (1775). The Tories in this place were 
strong and influential, but the Whigs out-numbered them and 
succeeded in over-awing them. 

On the 17th of June, 1776, Col. Nathaniel Heard (the 
Woodbridge man mentioned above) marched to Amboy, 
under orders from Samuel Tucker, President of the Provincial 
Congress of New Jersey, to arrest Wm. Franklin, the Gov- 
ernor. The Colonel proceeded to Franklin's residence with 
a guard of sixty men, surrounded the house and captured 
the indignant official. The cause of this arrest was the 
Governor's adherence to the English Government. He 
would have been released from captivity if he had consented 
to give his parole. Refusing to do this, he was committed to 
the custody of Gov. Trumbull, of Connecticut, by whom he 
was held a prisoner for two years and four months, when he 
was exchanged and went to New York to assist the Royalists. 

Col. Heard's militia at this time occupied the Amboy 
barracks. The Tory element in that place and on Staten 
Island was so large that during the Summer of 1776 about a 
thousand men were encamped at Blazing Star and Amboy to 
prevent open alliance with the Royalist cause. At the latter 
place Maj. Duychink arrived on the 5th of July with 450 of 
the Middlesex Militia. Rumors were prevalent, immediately 
on his arrival, that the British intended to attack him by 
crossing from Staten Island. Gen. Heard ordered the Major 
to move his troops outside the town, which was done; but the 
attack was not made, and on the 6th the Americans re-entered 
Amboy.* Washington sent directions to Heard in July to 
apprehend any of the Amboy or Staten Island Tories who 
made themselves obnoxious to the cause of liberty. f 

Gen. Heard's residence was on the corner where William 
Harned's house now stands— adjoining Commoss & Ensign's 
store. He had three sons and four daughters. John, one of 
his sons, was a captain in "Sheldon's Dragoons," a famous 
soldiery during the Revolution. Whitehead says he saw 
John, "as General Heard, in his continental uniform of blue 



• Whitehead's Contrib., p. 330. t Uatfield's Eliz., p. 437. 



THE REVOLUTION. 



243 



and buff, at Woodbridge in 1824, when General LaFayette 
passed through on his way to Philadelphia from New York." 
James and William were the other sons of the old General, 
The former was a " Cornet " in Lee's Legion in 1779, ^.nd in the 
following year he was commissioned as a lieutenant. He 
afterward became a captain.* 

The father, Nathaniel Heard, was commissioned as Colonel 
of a battalion of " minute men " on the 12th of February, 1776. 
In June he headed " Heard's Brigade," a name given in honor 
of the brave man ; and he was made, on the 25th, Brigadier 
General Commanding. A commission as Brigadier-General 
of Militia was given him February ist, 1777. f 

Woodbridge, during 1776, was the scene of the greatest 
excitement. Troops were constantly passing and repassing 
through the town. In the latter part of the year the Brit- 
ish had collected about 400 head of cattle and 200 sheep 
in the place, intending that these should feed their troops 
during the cold weather -jj but a company of impudent 
American militia entered the town on the night of the nth of 
December and quietly drove John Bull's beef and mutton into 
the other camp. 

According to tradition, Timothy Bloomfield's house, on the 
corner of the old Amboy turnpike (intersecting the Wood- 
bridge turnpike near Ford's Corner)§ was a rendezvous for 
the " Jersey Blues " in Woodbridge. Here the patriots met 
to discuss the progress of the war and propose means for 
harassing the enemy. Their meetings were secret, of course, 
and were partly composed of young men not yet serving in 
the army. One night news was brought to the assembled 
"boys" that a British war-vessel had appeared at Perth 
Amboy. Some one proposed that an old swivel cannon in 
town should be taken down to Amboy and fired into the ship 
with the idea of frightening the enemy out of the harbor. 
This plan was enthusiastically applauded. It was yet early 
in the evening and it was determined to carry out the project 
before daylight. The gun was procured and loaded. It was 
taken with all haste to Amboy. Campyon Cutter, then a 

• Oflacers and Men of N. J, in Rev., p. 81. t Ibid., 349. t Hatfield's Elizabeth p 
451. { airs. D. E. Patou. 



244 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

VVoodbridge young man, assisted his comrades to plant the 
artillery near the Episcopal Church, overlooking the water. 
There, sure enough, they saw in mid-stream the dark outlines 
of the brig. They knew the moon would rise at ii o'clock, 
and they waited patiently until it began to glimmer over the 
Island, Aiming their gun with due precision, the touch-hole 
was filled with powder, the torch was applied, there was a 
heavy detonation, and then all was quiet. With some anxiety 
the venturesome gunners "laid low." In a short time they 
heard the crew raising the anchor, and a ball came whizzing 
into the grave-yard. The light was so uncertain at this junc- 
ture that the British imagined, probably, that they saw a host 
on the highland. With jubilation the patriots saw that they 
were frightened and were moving off.* 

Among the Woodbridge men who distinguished themselves 
during the ever-memorable war of the Revolution, we must 
mention James Paton, who came from Stirling, North Britain, 
in 1774. The two years previous to his departure from Stir- 
ling were spent in the service of Alexander Wright, a mer- 
chant of that place, who gave him an excellent recommenda- 
tion for honesty and faithfulness when he left. He joined the 
" Light Dragoons " (2d Regiment, Continental Army), com- 
manded by Col. Elisha Sheldon, of Connecticut, when they 
were first organized, in 1776, and continued his connection 
Avith them until 1779, at which time he was a " Cornet "f 
David Edgar was a captain in this organization. Edgar was 
a Woodbridge man, between whom and Paton a warm friend- 
ship existed. He (Edgar) became First Lieutenant of the 
Fourth Battalion, 2d Establishment, on the 28th of November, 
1776; then in the following year lie held a Captain's commis- 
sion in this battalion, which he soon after resigned to take a 
lieutenancy in Sheldon's Dragoons. He became a Captain in 
this corps November 27th, 1778, and was honorably dis- 
charged at the end of the war.J 

James Paton was often addressed as Lieutenant by his 
friends, the officers of the Dragoons; from which we infer that 



* Mrs. David Paton, to whom the author is indebted for this narrative, is the daughter 
of Campyon Cutter, one of the particiiiauts iu the exploit. t Paton papers. Mr, Patou was 
commisBioned as Cornet Jan. 1, 1778. } Gen. Stryker'e Oflaoial Roster, p. 80. 



THE REVOLUTION. 245 

he held such a commission as early as the Summer of 1778. 
A certificate from Brigadier-General Samuel H. Parsons, 
written August 15th of this year, gives him that title. A letter 
written by Paton in 1786 alleges that he held that rank in the 
army. 

In 1788 he was commissioned, by Gov. Livingston, as a 
Captain of the First Battalion of Middlesex Militia. In 1792 
Capt. Paton was assigned by Gov. Paterson to the co mmand 
of a company of Light Infantry organized in this county. He 
was placed on Gov. Joseph Bloomfield's staff in 181 1, with the 
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, having seven years previously 
held a Major's commission in the ist Regiment Middlesex 
Militia. 

But it is to his services during the Revolution that we call 
attention. 

In June, 1780, the British opened their campaign in New 
Jersey by moving their troops* into the State via Staten 
Island and Elizabethtown, with the intention of capturing 
Gen. Maxwell's Brigade of Jersey troops and then marching 
on to Short Hills, there to await the arrival of reinforcements, 
with which a grand movement was to be made on Morris- 
town, and Gen. Washington with the whole Continental army 
would be nicely bagged. But 

"The best laid schemes o' mice and men 
Gang oft aglee." 

Washington had no special admiration for the plan, and 
accordingly he coolly occupied Short Hills with all his forces. 
This was naughty of Washington, because the British had 
expected to make a camp there and have a general good time 
thrashing the Americans in the neighborhood. As it was, 
they were compelled to beat a retreat, in the course of which 
they were harassed by little parties of militia firing upon 
them from behind fences, trees, etc., all along the route. 
They had entered Elizabethtown on the night of the 6th, on 
the 7th they were checked at Connecticut Farms, and in the 
evening they were hurrying down to the " Point " in a drench- 

* Aboiit 6,000 well-equipped soldiers. 



246 • WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

ing rain to escape the pitiless pursuit of the Jersey soldiers.* 
Not a very glorious record for the British, trul)'-. 

In the two days' brisk skirmishing (of the 7th and 8th) 
parties of militia were collected from all the towns adjacent. 
Woodbridge had several representatives in the engagements, 
among whom were James Paton, Jeremiah Clarkson,f Jere- 
miah Dally, and a man named Brown. Paton was wounded 
on Thursday, the 8th, from the effects of which he never 
entirely recovered. In a letter directed to " Captain David 
Edgar, 2d Regt. Light Dragoons, at or near Crompond," 
dated at Elizabethtown, June 30th, 1780, Lieut. Paton thus 
tells the story : 

"Dear Edgar: I am happy to be able once more to 
write to an old friend, which is more than I expected 
so soon. Must inform you that on Tuesday, the 6th inst., at 
night, the British army landed at the Point and marched near 
Springfield. On Wednesday [they] burned all the houses and 
[the] Church in Connecticut Farms, and in the evening 
retreated in a heavy rain to the Point. On Thursday all day 
was skirmishing, and unfortunately for me, dear Edgar [I], 
received a very bad wound. The ball entered below my left 
temple and came out nearly opposite. I got it near the New 
Point and kept my horse until I rode to my uncle's house,! 
when I dismounted, hitched my horse and walked in and was 
dressed and declared not mortal, but expected to lose the 
sight of my right eye. However, thank God, my eye has 
come to, remarkably. I am able to walk in the garden. The 
wound heals very well. It discharges mostly out of my nose. 
I am in hopes it will leave little or no mark in my face. I 
have fell away very much. I was wounded on the 8th and 
was kept concealed in my uncle's house until the 19th, when 
I was made a prisoner and got a parole to return when called 
for. I never was visited by a doctor during eleven days. 
Miss Aggie dressed me all the time. I am not able to give 
you the particulars of the expedition, only the brave Capt. 
Nathl. Fitz Randolph was wounded the last day the British 



• Hatfield's Eliz., p. 486-490. t Clarkson lived whore Isaac Thoruell resides. 
t This uncle's name was .Tohn Adams. *' Aggie," who is mentiouod further on, was au 
adopted daughter of the Adams family. Miss Aggie Brought was her original name. 



THE REVOLUTION. 24? 

troops marched to and burned all Springfield, and is since 
dead and much lamented. Smith Bloomfield is also mortally- 
wounded and not expected to live, I believe. It is impossible 
to describe the distress that prevails in this part of the world. 
My head aches with writing: you must excuse me. I believe 
all friends are well. My uncle, aunt, and Miss Aggie join in 
compliments, and believe me to be, dear Edgar, your sincere 
friend, James Paton. 

N. B. — Pray, write to me soon. The next opportunity 
[I] will write you all the news, for I have a great deal to tell 
you. Mr. Brown is well, and behaved very well and gained 
great credit. But poor I had it not long in my power to do 
anything; and God knows when I shall be exchanged. 

J. P." 

In tliis skirmish Lieut. Paton was acting as an officer 
temporarily under the command of Capt. Obadiah Meeker, of 
the " Essex Horse," who was executing an order of Lord 
Stirling, Major-General of the»American forces. Major Wm- 
Crane, who commanded the ist Battalion of Essex Militia, and 
who was present during the fight, says of Paton : " he behaved 
wutli spirit and bravery through the whole course of the alarm 
till wounded and taken.'"'' 

This intrepid soldier died November 6th, 1816, in his 58th 
year. He was married twice — to Hannah Edgar, daughter of 
David, who died in 1801 ; and to Mrs. Ann Bloomfield, who 
survived him thirty-four years. 

Capt. David Edgar, to whom allusion has been made 
several times, was another Woodbridge hero. He was a 
lieutenant for awhile in Heard's Brigade, but his military 
reputation was largely achieved during his connection with 
Sheldon's Dragoons. This regiment was part of the time in 
Connecticut, then in New Jersey, and part of the time in 
Delaware. Adjutant Iloogland, of this corps, wrote to Lieut. 
Paton (then at Westfield), from Bedford, Conn., in 1779, that 
in the last week of June the Dragoons had a brush with the 
enemy at Lower Wright's Mills, in which it is supposed, 
though not positively known, that Capt. Edgar participated. 

* Autograph letter among the Paton papers. 



248 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

The Yankees were compelled to retire before superior num- 
bers. 

Capt. Edgar (then Lieutenant) was the leader in a coup de 
grace at Marcus Hook in May, 1778, which Brigadier-Gen. 
eral Smallwood, at that time commanding the Maryland 
division of the army, characterized as an act of "extraordinary 
gallantry." The facts in the case are these: 

A sloop, called the Sallys had been making trips all Winter 
between Duck Creek, Del., and Philadelphia, to supply the 
British army, which occupied the latter place, with provisions. 
The Duck Creek people were Tories, and obtained considera- 
ble money by trading with the English. But poor Sally came 
to grief. As she was sailing unsuspiciously past Marcus 
Hook on her way to the city of Brotherly Love, Lieut. Edgar 
with five Dragoons made an assault upon the vessel and 
captured it. It was a novel affair, and compels us to believe 
that Capt. Jinks' " hoss marines " are not so much of a joke 
after all ; for nothing is more astonishing than a naval 
engagement by a party of cavalry. The sloop was found to 
be loaded with flour, wheat, and bacon, of which the commis- 
sary officers took charge. Gen. Smallwood ordered that 
Lieut. Edgar and party should be paid just the value of the 
captured provisions, and that the sloop with all its appurten- 
ances should be delivered to Edgar for the benefit of the 
captors. The Sally was drawn up on tlie shore. The Light 
Horse being under marching orders, to move east, probably 
going to Connecticut, Edgar had not time to dispose of his 
prize. During his absence an American officer, named Col. 
Wade, repaired the sloop and ungenerously used it without 
permission for eighteen months. As the Continental army 
now occupied Philadelphia, the British having been com- 
pelled to evacuate it, Wade doubtless carried on a lucrative 
trade, with t^ie stolen vessel, between that city and the lower 
counties of New Jersey and Delaware bordering on the river. 
Lieut. Edgar appealed to the authorities for redress with 
satisfactory results, it is presumed.* 

This gallant alTair was no doubt the cause 'of Edgar's pro- 
.- 1 — — - — — 

* Many of these facts are taken from the autograph letters of Capt. Edgar and other 
officers of the army. 



THE REVOLUTION. 249 

motion, about six months after, to a captaincy in tlie regiment. 

During the Summer of 1780, Edgar was recruiting in Con- 
necticut for Col. Sheldon's Dragoons. On the 8th of June 
of this year, when his friend Lieut. Paton was so severely 
wounded, he was probably at Windsor, Conn. 

Among his papers we find a unique bill presented by a 
harness-maker against Capt. Barnet of the Dragoons (the 
officer under whom Edgar served while Lieutenant), which is 
dated April i8th, 1777. We extract a few items: 

£ s. p. 

To a sadel by Isack Mash 10 

To a sadel and brid el by John meker was 11 

To asadel and tjridel and sirsengel by James Patron... 12 12 

To a sir singel by wilem panes 16 

To a curbbridel by leftenent Etger 2 

To mendenasadel by david Ager puten in a nu pud 

and anugurt 1 

To putenonanupare of bits 1 12 

To putenon nu letbr on old parspl bits and stufen a 

pad for wilem Conger 1 

A little study of this literary puzzle will give us the clue 
to the harness-maker's meaning; but we do not very strongly 
recommend his style for a model. 

Capt. Edgar died September 6th, 1810, in his 60th year,* 
and is buried in the Presbyterian burying-ground at Wood- 
bridge, not far from the spot where his friend and brother-in- 
law, James Paton, lies buried. 

His residence is supposed to have been just beyond the 
present residence of Mr. Robert Vail, along the highway 
westward. 

Smith Bloomfield, who participated in the skirmishes at 
Springfield and vicinity in the latter part of June, 1780, and 
was mortally wounded at that time, was a Woodbridge man. 
Unfortunately we know very little about him. He was taken 
prisoner by the British January 3d, 1778, and was subse- 
quently exchanged.! He died some time in July, 1780, 
probably from the effects of his wounds. 

Samuel Dally and Jeremiah, his son, were soldiers in the 

' Dr. Henry R. Stiles' MS. Churchyard Inscriptions. t Paton papers. 



250 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

first regiment of Middlesex militia.* Samuel fought, at one 
time, under the leadership of Washington. He was one o^ 
the faithful few who crossed the Delaware in mid-winter to 
surprise the Hessians at Trenton ; and. he shared also in tlie 
glory of the battle of Monmouth. His death occurred March 
9th, 1784, in the 53d year of his age. Jeremiah ran away 
from home when only fourteen or fifteen years old to enter 
the service of his country. He was in the engagements at 
Connecticut Farms and Springfield in 1780, and perhaps 
others. At forty years of age he died, November 7th, 1823. 

Modesty forbids the writer to pursue further the history of 
these men, from whom he is proud to trace his own lineage; 
but, craving the forbearance of his read^-s, tlie following 
extract from a pamphlet in the possession of the family is 
given as a local incident of the war of independence ; 

"Mary Dally,f wife of Samuel, was part of the time left 
at home with none to cheer her solitude but the little 
ones; for Jeremiah had gone to war, contrary to the wishes 
of his parents. He did not relish being left to attend the farm 
while the other boys and young men in the neighborhood had 
hastened to the field of conflict. In one instance, Mary 
narrowly escaped death, while alone with her children. She 
was leaning out of an upper window, watching with anxiety 
the progress of a skirmish near the house between a body of 
English and a body of American troops. The latter were 
victorious. The British turned toward Perth Amboy in re- 
treat. In doing this they passed the house where Mary lived ; 
she had scarcely withdrawn from the window when a ball 
from one of the retiring party fractured the casement and, 
striking the opposite wall, fell to the floor. When some of 
the Americans stopped to refresh themselves with a drink ot 
buttermilk the patriotic woman handed it to one of them who 
promised to send it back among the retreating " Red Coats," 
and he did — but what execution it effected it was impossible 
to tell. 

Mary lived several years after the war was ended ; and. it is 
said, would relate with much animation the story we have 

• Strj'ker'8 Roster, p. 565. t.SUo lived in a hoiLse, now destroyed, in the rear of John 
Flood's place. 



THE REVOLUTION. 25 1 

briefly told. On a previous occasion, the marauders had 
pillaged her house ; and, among other things, carried off the 
family Bible. It is to be hoped that they read it as carefully, 
and learned to prize its contents as highly as did the good lady 
from whom they stole it." 

Among Capt. Edgar's troop we notice several Woodbridge 
men. Joseph Gilman,* Jonathan Jaquish, Jedediah Freeman, 
and Lewis Dunham were in that company. f Robert Codding- 
ton was a fifer in the Middlesex Militia and in the Con- 
tinental army. Henry Freeman was fifer in Capt. Asher F. 
Randolph's company of Jersey troops I 

One of the most conspicuous men for dash and daring, who 
lived in Woodbridge during these stormy times, was Capt. 
Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. Authentic tales told of his extra- 
ordinary courage recall the days of Roman valor and savor 
of the chivalric period of which Virgil wrote : Arma vh-umque 
cano. His was one of those lives in which grand achieve- 
ments are accomplished within brief seasons; for he was 
only thirty-two years old when he died. He is described as 
"active, bold, and intelligent "; the antithesis, physically and 
mentally, ot his brother Ezekiel, who often fell asleep on his 
butcher's cart as he made his round in serving his customers.^ 
Of Nathaniel's intelligence we have a proof in his accurate 
copy of the old Town Book. 

He was a captain of the Middlesex Militia, at first; and was 
elected naval officer for the Eastern District of New Jersey 
on the 1 2th of December, 1778, The day before this election 
the C/Ouncil ordered that a sword should be purchased for 
him as a fitting tribute to " his patriotism, vigilance, and 
bravery during the war," which was subsequently presented 
to him. II 

On the 24th of June, 1778, he made an attack with fourteen 
men on the enemy's guard opposite Elizabethport. It was 
Wednesday night, and the party reached Staten Island in 
boats. The Tory account says that two of the guard were 
wounded, and that the American party hurried down to their 



* Gen. Stryker's Eoster, p. 200, t Paton papers. t Stryker's Roster, p. 482. 
§ Wliitehead's Coutr., p. 95. B Stryker's Uos., 406. 



252 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

boats and escaped, being pursued by the British.* But it is 
probable that the raid was much more effective, for the Tories 
distorted facts from motives of policy; so that their state- 
ments were notoriously unreliable in many instances. 

Some time during the Spring or Summer of this year Fitz 
Randolph captured a number of the enemy on Staten Island, 
concerning the exchange of whom the Governor communi- 
cated with Gen. Washington.! 

Capt. Randolph often said that the enemy should never take 
him alive; and this declaration would have been verified, 
doubtless, if it had depended on his courage to prove it. In a 
fair contest he seemed almost invincible, and his name became 
a "tower of strength" to the patriot cause in this section. 
His conspicuous bravery was the admiration of his friends 
and the fear of his adversaries. It is not surprising, therefore, 
that the latter made vigorous efforts to capture him. Several 
attempts to entrap him signally failed; but we are told that 
he was twice made a prisoner. 

Tradition inforais us that one night he went home; and 
three armed and mounted Tories, who had been watching for 
him, saw him enter the house, it was hardly wise for him to 
go there; but human nature, long deprived of the home-life, 
will sometimes impel a man to enter the jaws of death to enjoy 
the fireside chat for one brief hour. 

" Why did yon come home, Natty .' " exclaimed his anxious 
mother. " You know the Tories are determined to take you, 
and three of them have been prowling around the house 
today ! " 

"Ah," said the Captain, pointing significantly to his sword 
and pistols, " no three men can take Natty alive ! " 

Blankets were hung up at the windows to keep the curious 
eyes of the neighbors, or the enemy, from beholding the guest 
of the evening. The table was spread, and the warrior almost 
forgot the camp and field in the glow and sparkle of the fire 
on the hearth and the odor of smoking viands on the table. 

After a season of pleasant converse with the family, a noise 
of tramping feet was heard, succeeded by a sharp rap on the 

. • Hatfield'a Eliz., p. 407. t Couuoil of Safety, p. 250. 



THE REVOLUTION. 253 

door. One of the inmates expressed the deepest anxiety lest 
the Captain should now be subjected to the horrors of a 
British prison. Releasing his sword from the bracket on the 
wall the soldier replied: "They shall never take Natty 
alive ! " Loud calls from without for the surrender of the 
sturdy patriot were responded to by the Captain himself, who, 
flinging open the bolted door, stood upon the threshold with 
his drawn weapon in his hand, "/am Natty Randolph! " he 
said, pointing a pistol at the group ; " and no three men can 
take Natty alive ! The first who dares to stir is a dead man ! " 

When Randolph was ready he gave the order for them to 
move. The melancholy trio rode down the lane, followed by 
the eagle eye of the American. They knew that two deadly 
weapons in experienced hands covered them as they departed. 
They were, therefore, very circumspect in their deportment 
until they were out of range, when they struck spurs into their 
horses and scampered away toward Staten Island. 

Some of the stories of Randolph's marvellous strength are, 
undoubtedly, greatly exaggerated ; but there can be no question 
that he was a very muscular man. It is told of him that he 
was once crossing Staten Island at the head of his men, when 
he came unexpectedly upon a company of Hessians. One of 
the latter, a little in advance of the rest, raised his gun and 
fired, wounding Fitz Randolph in the left arm. Natty, pre- 
tending he had something confidential to communicate, left his 
company, approached the audacious soldier, seized him and 
carried him in triumph under his right arm to the expectant 
Americans — the Hessians, in their amazement, making no 
attempt to rescue their comrade.* 

Natty was very much attached to his company and refused 
a Colonel's commission because its acceptance would sever the 
relations between him and his men.f It scarcely need be said 
that his soldiers were devoted to him. 

While at the head of a detachment of them he was once 
surrounded by a superior British force. Instead of surren- 
dering, the brave fellows stood at bay and fought, under the 
inspiring example of their leader, until every one of them had 

* Rahway Museum aud Advocate, Aug. 31, 1822. t Ibid. 



254 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

'fallen, either killed or wounded, on the hotly-contested field ; 
and Natty alone, with the blood streaming from his own 
wounds, stood among his slain companions brandishing a 
musket with astonishing effect. The British officer, admiring 
his pluck, sought to take him alive ; but every hostile approach 
met with a stunning blow from the musket. The officer then 
begged him to surrender, arguing that it was a pity for such 
a brave man to die. Finding his strength failing. Natty 
exacted a promise of kind treatment and an early exchange, 
which being cheerfully accorded, he gave himself up as a 
prisoner of war. 

The slaughter in this affair is said to have been very great, 
for the number engaged, on both sides.* The promise of the 
English officer was fulfilled — the American captain was speed- 
ily exchanged, every kindness being shown to him in the 
meantime. The former declared that Fitz Randolph was the 
bravest man he had ever met. 

A reliable tradition well illustrates the coolness and daring 
of our hero. A baggage-train belonging to the enemy was 
progressing toward the inimical camp. Capt. Fitz Randolph 
discovering it determined upon its capture. But he was 
alone. This, however, did not intimidate him. Waiting until 
nightfall, he fell upon the rear of the train, sword in hand, 
shouting at the top of his voice; " Come on, boys ! Here they 
are ! We've got them ! " The teamsters, unable in the dark- 
ness to see their unknown assailant, and fearful that they 
would be surrounded, were panic-stricken and fled precipi- 
tately — the guard also joining in the inglorious flight. Natty, 
exultant, found means to bring his trophies into the American 
camp, greatly to the discomfiture of the British and the 
merriment of the Whigs. 

The Captain, much to his chagrin, was captured in January, 
i779,f by a party commanded by Capt. Ryerson. One author- 
ity says that he was on Staten Island at the time, conducting a 
scouting expedition, and that " the tories dogged him " to the 
house in which he entered in the evening; and, after he had 
laid aside his arms, they rushed into the room and made him 

* See Rahway Mub. & Adv., Aug. 31, 1822. t Gen. Stryker's Official Roster, p. 406. 
Wliitehead says "February "— Contr., p. 95. 



THE REVOLUTION. 255 

a prisoner before he could seize his weapons or effect an 
escape.* Another authority informs us that he had retired, 
and was taken from his bed by his unwelcome visitors. f He 
was conveyed to New York and imprisoned and cruelly 
treated, until May 26th, 1780, a period of about a year and 
four months;! at which time he was exchanged; it is sup- 
posed, for a Capt. Jones of the British army. This Jones was 
seized by some of Fitz Randolph's men, for this very purpose, 
at the old stone tavern at Port Richmond, Staten Island. 
The story of this capture was told to me by Robert Codding- 
ton. William Bowman, of Staten Island, a waterman, used to 
tell it also. 

It seems that Peter Latourette, a Woodbridge man, famil- 
iarly known as " Pete Tourette,"§ found out that Capt. Jones 
was sick at Port Richmond and resolved to secure him as an 
exchange for Randolph. Peter was fully equal to the task. 
His courage was unquestioned and his strength remarkable- 
He stood six feet and two inches in his stockings, and was 
stoiit in proportion. He and three or four kindred spirits, all 
Woodbridge men, crossed to Staten Island by daylight, in 
citizens' dress, and went to the tavern. The guard, a small 
one, supposed the new-comers were private citizens and paid 
very little attention to them until they began to wrestle with 
each other. This pastime amused the soldiers greatly, and 
they became very free in their bearing toward the Jerseymen. 
The latter heard the sick officer cough and calculated, from 
the direction whence the sound came, just the room in which 
he could be found. The guard, unsuspicious of danger, 
stacked their guns in the hall and proceeded to the supper- 
table, spread in an adjoining room. Latourette did not 
intend to execute his plan until after dark; but this chance 
was too good to be lost. He seized the guns and armed his 
men, and then quickly entered the British Captain's apart- 
ment and carried him out of the house, stuffing his handker- 
chief into the sick man's mouth to prevent his giving the 



' Rahway Miis. & Adv., August 31, 1822. t Gen. Stryker's Roster, p. 400. t Ibid. 

5 Peter is disrespectfully called a " thief " and " an infernal fiend " by the Tory papers 
in New York. Tlie stories of his cruelty to the Tories may be true, but we find no eyidenco 
to sxipport them except in the joui'nals alluded to. See Hatfield's ishz., p. 507. 



256 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

alarm. The party hastened to the shore, sprang into a boat 
and rowed to Bergen Point with their prisoner, who was 
lodged in the Bergen jail until he was exchanged for Capt- 
Fitz Randolph. 

No sooner was the gallant Nathaniel released than he 
entered the active service again; but, alas, within two months 
the heroic soldier passed away — to the land, we trust, where 
the march of hostile battalions and the tumults of war are 
unknown. He died of the wounds he received at or near 
Springfield, N. J., on the 23d of June — his death occurring 
one month afterward, July 23d, 17S0.* He was buried in the 
Presbyterian Church-yard at Woodbridge with the honors of 
war. He was once married — to Experience Inslee, afterward 
the wife of James Coddington. 

Timothy Bloomfield Avas another patriot of Woodbridge. 
It was his house, which was situated on the old Amboy turn- 
pike, that was the rendezvous of the whigs, as we have previ- 
ously related. He was an outspoken foe to British tyranny, 
and was, therefore, the subject of the vindictive malice of the 
tories. Made a prisoner during the war, he was incarcerated 
part of the time in the Jail at New York, and part of the time 
in the notorious Jersey Prison Ship — the victim ot gross in- 
dignities and terrible cruelty. For refusing to acknowledge 
his allegiance to King George he was twice taken out of Jail 
to be hung, being suspended by the neck until life was nearly 
extinct. True as steel, with returning consciousness he per- 
sisted in his refusal. Nothing but the fear of retaliation pre- 
vented his inquisitorial tormentors from taking summary ven- 
geance for his obstinacy. f He was finally released. He died 
at the age ot 73 years, January i8th, 1813, and was buried in 
the old grave-yard at Metuchen.J 

His sons (supposed to be Smith and Timothy) were in the 
Continental army, so that the farm and the old homestead 
were open to the ravages of the predator}^ parties of the 
enemy. Among other things stolen were the family Bible and 



* Lieut. Patou, iu his letter to Capt. Edgar (already quoted), fixed Fitz Randoli^li's 
death in the latter part of Juue. As he was a prisouer his iuformation ou this point was 
limited. 

t Rahway Museum, March 22, 1822. t Dr. H. E. Stiles' MS., p. 68. 



THE REVOLUTION. 257 

a brindle cow. The precious book could not be readily given 
up. It was the comfort of the pious household during the 
long absence of the men; to be deprived, therefore, of its 
counsels and divine consolation in their hours of anxious 
watching and bitter trials was a prospect too melancholy. 
But what could be done.^ Bibles were costly in those days, 
and the family, made poor by the fortunes of war, had not the 
means with which to purchase another. Eunice, daughter of 
Timothy, concluded at length to appeal to the British com- 
mander on Staten Island for the restoration of the priceless 
volume. In company with another girl, residing with the 
family, Eunice started from home, walking to the river. It 
was a brave deed, for these were troublous times and lawless 
bands were abroad. Doubtless the God whom they honored 
by seeking for His Word sent flaming spirits to guard them in 
their dangerous way. On the shore they were nonplussed. 
How should they reach the other side.^ Not far awa^ they 
espied an old scow. Pushing it into the water, they paddled 
across, objects of much curiosity to groups of red-coated 
soldiers on the Island. With deference, the guard on the bank 
assisted them in debarking and enquired their business. 
They informed him that they wished to see the officer in 
command. Very courteously he conducted them to head- 
quarters. The commander received the young women with 
affability and listened to their story and to their earnest 
pleading for the old Bible. They saw the tears gathering in 
tiie officer's eyes, and felt sure their suit was won. So, 
indeed, it was. He sent to the ship, riding at anchor some 
distance from the shore, to which, it seems, the volume had 
been carried It was brought and placed in Eunice Bloom- 
field's hands. 

Gratefully the young women were about to turn homeward 
when the commander kindly enquired if anything else of 
value had teen taken from them. They replied affirmatively 
— that a brindle cow had been driven away by his men. In 
adjoining fields large droves were feeding. Leading his 
guests to these, he pointed toward the cattle and asked if they 
recognized their own spotted animal. A long scrutiny failed 
to discover the domestic favorite. As they were about to give 



258 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

up the searcli in despair, the brindle came bounding toward 
them with every demonstration of pleasure; and placed her- 
self, in a satisfied way, close beside Eunice — as much as to 
say: "Come! It is milking time ! " The officer smiled, and 
averred that there was no doubt ot the original ownership of 
the cow. 

A guard ot soldiers escorted the girls across the water with 
their regained treasures, and accompanied them for a consid- 
erable distance toward home, at which they arrived with hearts 
overflowing with thankfulness. The feelings with which they 
opened the old Bible that night, who can describe.'' 

On the family record, in this same old Bible, some Tory 
hand had written remarks, against one of the boys in particu- 
lar, who was afterward killed near Elizabethtown while in 
action.'''' 

Dr. Moses Bloomfield, whose acquaintance we have made 
already as Clerk of the Freeholders, was a native of Wood- 
bridge and a man of more than ordinary culture and ability. 
His patriotism was fervent, inducing him to offer his services 
to his country at an early period of the war (May 14th, 1777),! 
as an army surgeon. In the United States hospitals he lield 
the position of Senior Surgeon. He was the son of Joseph 
and Eunice Bloomfield, and was the father of Gov. Joseph 
Bloomfield. It is thought that his residence was the old 
Bloomfield homestead, where Mr. George C. Hance now 
lives. His body was placed to rest in the VVoodbridge Pres- 
byterian yard, and a stone, with tlie following inscription, 

marks the spot : 

" Dr. ]\Ioses Bloo^i field, 
40 years Pbysician and Surgeon 
. in this Town ; senior Phy- 

sician and Surgeon in the Hospitals of 
the United States ; Representative in 
tlie provincial Congress and Ge- 
neral Assembly ; an \ipriglit 
Magistrate ; Elder of the Pres- 
byterian Church, &c. Born 
Deeeraber the 4th, 1729, died Aut, 
the 14th, 1791, in his 63d year." 



* Our authority for the story of Eunice Hlootnfield is chiefly Mrp. D. E. PatOD. 8e« 
also Rabway Museum, etc. t Gen. Stryker's Roster, p. 72. 



THE RIVOLUTIOX. 259 

He was in the hospital at Princeton in 1778, as the follo\r- 
ing minute from the session of the Council of Safety- of Oct. 
2d will show: "Agreed that Dr. Moses Bloomfield be re- 
quested to attend the Board to-morrow morning at 8 O'clock 
with a list of the Physicians, Surgeons and Surgeons' mates 
attending at Princeton & the number (jf sick in the hospital 
there." 

A great deal has l)een written about tlie capture of Col. 
Christopher Biilop at his residence near Billop's Point, Staten 
Island, on the 23d of June, 1779. Some say that Capt. Na- 
thaniel Fitz Randolph was the leader in the affair ;f this is 
strenuously denied by others who declare that Capt. Fitz Ran- 
dolph had nothing to do with it..]; As Robert Coddington's 
father was a participant in the affair and a relative of Fitz 
Randolph (the two being brothers-in-law), I went to see Rob- 
ert, the son, one day to enquire wijeiher he had heard his 
father, the elder Robert, niention the matter. He said that he 
had heard the story from his father!s lips, an I that it was an 
unaccountable mistake which ascribed the leadership in this 
undertaking to the Captain. David Coddington was the 
chief of the daring party who captured the influential Tory. 
Four or five comprised the company. David and Robert 
Coddington and Peter Latourette were among them. It is 
said that for a long time watchers were stationed in the steeple 
of St. Peter's Church, at Perth Amboy, who kept a sharp 
look-out on the Biilop mansion across the water. At length 
the Colonel was discovered walking through his grounds. 
They knew, therefore, tiiat he might be found at home. The 
night of the 23d was very dark, and the adventurers launched 
their boat in profound silence, rowing across the harbor with 
muffled oars. From a black woman they had obtained the 
countersign, with which they expected to pass all the guards 
in safety. Having landed, they approached the house in 
" Indian file " and entered it without arousing the enemy. 
Col. Biilop had gone to bed. The party quickly secured him 
and then hastened to the shore, taking the usual precautions 



• Council of Safety of N. J., p. 28t>. t Whitehead, p. 95. t See N. Y. Kvening Post, 
Oct. 18th, 187;t. (!apt. tltz Ilauilolpli w::s made a i)risoiier iu the Jauuary previous, and was 
yot a pi-iuoner. It is e\ideut, therefore, that he was not iu this affair. 



26o WOODBRIDGE AND VICINIIY. 

against an outcry by their prisoner. One of the men had 
taken the Colonel's horse, a beautiful animal, from the stable. 
But the steed refused to enter the water, whereupon the 
soldier shot him. Immediately the boat glided from its 
covert, for the British were thoroughly alarmed by the start- 
ling report of the gun. Tlie audacious Jerseymen were not 
discovered, but arrived safely on the opposite shore. 

Biliop was sent to the Burlington Jail in November, put in 
chains and permitted to subsist on bread and water only, in 
retaliation for the cruelties imposed by the British on their 
American prisoners — especially on John Leshier and Capt. 
Fitz Randolph, who were being harshly treated by their jail- 
ers at this time. The following note was written by the New 
Jersey Commissary of Prisoners to Col. Biliop: 

" Elizabethtown, Nov. 6, 1779. 
"Sir: Sorry am I that I have been put under the disagree- 
able necessity of a treatment towards your person that will 
prove so irksome to you; but retaliation is directed, and it 
will, I most sincerel)' hope, be in your power to relieve 
yourselt from the situation by writing to New York to pro- 
cure the relaxation of the sufferings of John Leshier and 
Captain Nathaniel Randall.* It seems nothing short of 
retaliation will teach Britons to act like n^.en of humanity. 
" I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

"Elisha Boudixot, 

" Com. Pris." 

Tlie Tory Cohjnel remained in custody at Burlington until 
December 26th, when he was exchanged for an American 
officer. 

On "HoUister's Corner" lias lain, for a long while, a rusty 
old gun made in Queen Anne's time. It was used for many 
years to celebrate the independence of America. Many a 
Fourth of Jidy salvo has resounded from the grim nioutli of 
this dishonored cannon. But how did the town come into 
possession of it.'* Well, that is just what we are going to tell. 

Some time about the year 17S0 a large British vessel, con- 



* Hie name was often (Ustoried into "Baadall." 



THE REVOLUTION. 26 1 

taining a choice cargo of molasses and other provisions, was 
boarded at what was known as Great Bend, not far from Perth 
Amboy, by a party of four or five Jersey men. Capt. Storey 
Avas the leader. Robert Coddington,* Peter Latourette, and 
James Bloomfield (a boy at the time), with one other, perhaps, 
whose name is forgotten, constituted Capt. Storey's assaulting 
party. They were all good boatmen, although none of them, 
as far as we know, belonged to the naval service, except John 
Storey. f Coddington, Latourette, and Bloomfield are re- 
corded among the soldiers of the Revolution in the official 
roster of New Jersey. 

It was a bitter cold night in Winter when the attack was 
made. The ice was thick enough along the shore to sustain 
a heavy burden. Capt. Storey approached the British vessel 
in a gun- boat in a cautious manner, leaped aboard with his 
men, spiked the gi;ns and took prisoners the crew thus uncer- 
emoniously disarmed. The surprise was complete. The 
groceries were subsequently drawn on the ice to Perth Amboy, 
after which the boat was burned to prevent its falling into the 
hands of the English. This old gun was taken off as a trophy 
and brought to Woodbridge. It was in the keeping of Peter 
Latourette for several years, who would bring it out on each 
Fourth of July to give it voice in the general jubilation. 

Peter lived where Daniel Voorliees now resides. He offered 
to give the piece to the township if the latter would construct 
a gun carriage for it. This was done, and the deep-toned 
thunder of the old cannon afterward welcomed the dawn of 
many an Independence day. Now, alas, it is flung aside as a 
useless thing. True, it is rusted and no longer available as a 
weapon of defence; nor is it safe to salute the stars and stripes 
with it, for its once smooth bore, worn out by long service 
and much neglect, is full of dangerous cavities. But it is a 
sad sight to behold it lying here unnoticed. The long grass 
that caresses it to-day seems more tender and pitiful to the 
prostrate thunderer than all the people in the town out yonder- 
How careless they are of thy fallen majesty, O historic 



•His son Robeii, uow living in Woodbridge, is our authority for this narrative- 
t Gen. Stryker'B Rostn-, 1.. 872. 



262 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

treasure! Are they forgetting tlie men who shed their blood 
for freedom in the early days of the Republic, as they have 
forgotten thee? Will not some kind hands lift thee up for the 
sake of what thou hast been, and for the sake of the warriors 
who stood around thee long, long ago ? Would that we might 
learn that it is dangerous to patriotism to permit its hard- 
earned trophies to lie unhonored in neglected places. 

There was an hour a voi(« of power 

Resounded from thy hollow throat ; 
Through smoke and flame the message came 

To many a heart in rockiiig boat. 

Thy word was death, and in a breath 

Thy mess ige came of loas and woe; 
And Sfiddcned souls since then have told 

Of smitten ones the waves below. 

Now mule thy voice ; and we rejoice 
That all thy deeds of blood are o'er; 

Thy husky throat gives forth no note 
To tell of death on ship or shore. 

Thy silence cheers the hope of years, 
That Christ, tlie Prince whom we adore. 

Will bring the time. Oh, thought sublime ! 
When nations shall learn war no more. 

Several of the Woodbridge family of Inslees distinguished 
themselves in the Revolution. John Inslee,* the father of 
Gage, was a soldier in the Continental army, and was made a 
prisoner by the Tories and shut up in the old Sugar House at 
New York. His farm was devastated and his house burned. 

Jonathan Inslee (Robert Coddington's mother's tather) 
suffered very much for his adherence to the cause of liberty. 
Near Isaac Flood's barn, alongside the brook, stood Jonathan's 
dwelling. From this he was tiiken a prisoner by the Royal- 
ists and conveyed to New Brunswick to be lodged in jail. 
He was compelled to wade through the river at a ford; and 
then, all wet and shivering, was thrust into a cold room 
without being permitted to dry his clothing or exchange it 
for more comfortable raiment. His faithful wife followed the 



• Johu lived in a honse in the old " pear tree lot " 011 the Gag« Inslee estate near PeriJi 
Am boy. 



THE REVOLUTION. 263 

merciless Tories to New Brunswick and begged tlie jailers to 
liberate her husband. After persistent effort her object was 
accomplished, and she took the maltreated man home, only to 
see him die; for the cruel exposure caused his death, Febru- 
ary 24th, 1777, in his 6ist year. 

His brave wife (wliose name was Grace Moore before her 
marriage) died October 3d, 1794, aged 67, and they sleep side 
by side in the Presbyterian burial-ground, disturbed no more 
bv war's alarms. 

Elizabeth Inslee, who afterward married Joseph Codding- 
ton, once came near being mutilated for life by the brutality 
of a British soldier. Large bodies of the enemy's troops were 
accustomed to collect on Spunk Hill (right above Isaac 
Flood's residence), for drill and parade, presenting a brilliant 
appearance with the long line ot bayonets glistening in the 
sun and the gaudy uniforms of red and gold. But the com- 
munity was generally terror-stricken at their approach, and 
the sacredness of home was invaded wherever they stacked 
their arms. They would enter the houses near by and Lake 
away any object that struck their fancy. Coming uncere- 
nifjniously into Jonathan Inslee's house one day. a soldier 
spied a valuable ring on one of Elizabeth's fingers. He strode 
toward her and was about to cut off her finger to obtain the 
piece of jewelry when an officer suddenly appeared, sharply 
rebuked the inliuman fellow, and sent him back to camp. 

In this locality lived William Jones, a tailor, and a soldier 
in the Continental army. His house was nearly opposite 
Spunk Hill, between tlie residence of Joel Mehck, Jr., and 
that of Robert Coddington. It has been destroyed. Mr. 
Jones told Abel V. Shotwell, of Rahway, that his first duty^ 
on entering the army, was to make a coat for ('apt. William 
Piatt, who fouglit imder Gen. St. Clair. 

We present a list of the Woodbridge ''Continentals" and 
militia of the Revolution, so far as we have been able to 
gather the names — omitting those already noticed : 

Archibald Auger, sometimes spelled Eager. 
Ellis Barron, a Captain of ist Regiment of Middlesex, com- 
missioned January loth, 1776. 



264 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Shotwell Bishop, grandfather of Mr. Shotwell B. Frazee. 

He lived near James R. Potter's at Short Hills. 
James Bloomfield (alluded to on page 261 of this Chapter), 

resided in Woodbridge, but died in Milton. 
EzEKiEL Bloomfield, father of Wm. Bloomfield, who is still 

living in Rahway. 
Robert Burwell belonged to Capt. Asher Fitz Randolph's 

company. His residence was in Rahway Neck, near 

George Brown's. 
Jonathan Bloomfield. 

Nathan Bloomfield resided, probably, near Bonhamtovvn. 
Thomas Bloomfield, Sr., called " Continental Tommy," was 

the father of David Bloomfield who lives near Jotham 

Coddington's place of residence. 
Thomas Bloomfield, Jr., is said to have been imprisoned in 

the Jersey Prison Ship on one occasion during the 

war. He died where L. M. Perkins now resides. 
Benjamin Brown, father of Warren Brown, lived on the 

Woodbridge Neck. 
Dugald Campbell lived near Oak Tree; died in 1809, aged 

77. Buried at Metuchen. 
Joseph Crowell. 

Kelsy Cutter died in Woodbridge March 7th, 1798, aged 42. 
Samuel Cutter was in several of the boat expeditions made 

by Capt. John Storey, and was one ot his favorites."^ 
Stephen Cutter and Ford Cutter, see next Chapter. 
-Morris De Camp, Sergeant in Sheldon's Light Dragoons. 

He was wounded on Staten Island on the 23d of 

August, 1777. 
Joseph Dunham belonged to Capt. Asher F. Randolph's 

company. 
James Edgar and William Edgar. 
Ambrose Elston lived in Rahway and was a Middlesex 

County Judge. 
Crowell Evans. 
Capt. Asher Fitz Randolph lived at or near the old Blazing 

Star. He did effective service with his excellent com- 

* See " Cutter Family," p. 98. 



THE REVOLUTION. 265 

pany during the war. At the age of 62 years he died, 
April i6th, 1817, and was buried in the Woodbridge 
Presbyterian grave-yard. (See Captain Matthew Free- 
man^ 

Melanchtox Freeman, Surgeon, father of Dr. Matthias 
Freeman. His death occurred November nth, 1806, in 
his 60th year, and his grave is in the old Metuchen cem- 
etery. 

Capt. Matthew Freeman died in 1824, aged about 81 years. 
He was made 2d Lieutenant of the ist Regiment Mid- 
dlesex Militia in January, 1776, and afterward became 
Captain. Asher Fitz Randolph served as Ensign under 
Capt. Freeman at the beginning of his career; then 
Asher became one of his lieutenants, and subsequently 
left Freeman's company for a Captaincy in Maj. Hayes' 
Battalion. Matthew is buried at Metuchen. 

Jonathan Freeman. 

David Freeman. 

Samuel Force resided where Dr. Jaques died. 

Hiram Frazee lived where John Lasslett now resides. 

Morris Frazee lived between Oak Tree and Plainfield. 

" EsiEH " Fitz Randolph, Ezekiel, Malachi, and Michael 
belonged to Capt. Asher F. Randolph's company. 
The Fitz Randolph family was one of the most patriotic 
of the war. Among those going to battle from this 
section we find, besides those just mentioned, Barzilla> 
Daniel, James, Joseph, Stelle, Phineas, Samuel, Thomas, 
Zedekiah, and others. "^ 

John and Joseph Gilman belonged to Capt. David Edgar's 
Troop of Light Horse. 

Charles Oilman. 

Thomas Hadden was a Captain of ist Regiment Middlesex 
Militia; then Major, and in April, 1778, he was com- 
missioned JLieutenant-Colonel, but resigned in Decem- 
ber of the same year. 

Samuel Jaquish. 

James Kinsey, Sr., is thought to be a Woodbridge man ; so 
is James, Jr., and John (an artilleryman), and Shadrach. 
Concerning James, Sr., it is recorded that he was dis- 



266 WOOHRRIDGE AND VICi'nITY. 

charged for disability, January 3d, 17S3, "after seven 
years' faithful service " — a brief but satisfactorv evidence 
of a noble and self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of 
liberty. 

Abraham Loughberrv, or Luffberry, resided in Rahway, 
near the house of Francis Labaw. He was a Sergeant 
in Hazen's Regiment (2d Canadian). His son, the late 
Joseph O Lufbery, was a prominent and highly es- 
teemed citizen of Rahway. John H. Lufbery, ex-Mayor 
of Rahway, is also his son. The old family name is 
spelled Loofljourrow. . When Gen. Lafayette visited 
Rahway, in 1824, Abraham was the chairman of the 
committee appoini:ed to receive him ; and it is said that 
the French patriot recognized him immediately, not- 
withstanding forty years had intervened since they had 
parted. 

Abram Laing lived where the late Cornelius \^ancierhoven 
resided. 

Capt. Nathaniel Leonard, who died May 9th, 1S03, in his 
50th year, and is buried in the old Metuchen cemetery, 
has inscribed on his tomb-stone these words : "Served 
through the Revolutionary war." He was a Wagon- 
master and Captain in the Continental army. 

Oliver Martin resided in Rahway and built the house occu- 
pied by Jonathan Woodruff, wliicli he called the " Peace 
Tavern." Jeremiah C. Force was his .'-on-in-law. He 
belonged to the 3d Regiment of Militia. 

Eliphalet Moore, of the 2d Regiment of Artillery, Conti- 
nental Army, lived on the farm in Rahway Neck, lately 
owned by Reuben Drake. 

Capt. Christopher Marsh belonged to Essex Light Horse; 
but he lived on the Kinsey Farm, between Six Roads 
and Milton. He was at first a lieutenant in Capt. 
Blanchard's Troop. On the 2d of June, 1777, he was 
j3romoted to a captaincy. He was the grandfather of 
Rolph M. Crovvell. Died in 1810, aged 67 years. 

Ralph Marsh, made ist Lieutenant in Capt. Ellis Barron's 
company, January loth, 1776. 

Merrick Martin. A number of Martins, residing in this 



THr, REVOLUTION. 267 

section, were soldiers in the Revolution. Many of 
them lived at or near Metuchcn. 

Jeremi.\h Manning, Captain ist Regiment of Militia, died 
June loth, 1803, aged 67. The following is inscribed on 
the stone over his grave in the Presbyterian yard at 
Woodbridge: "He filled the office of magistrate 26 
years, most of which time he was also one of the Judges 
of this County. At the age of 22 he became a member 
of the Baptist Church, and, although interred here, 
continued such until his decease, counting all things 
but loss, as nothing compared with the excellency of 
the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Peier Noe lived at Blazing Star. He was the grandfather of 
Joel B. Laing. Several other Noes from this section 
lought for freedom. James belonged to A. F. Ran- 
dolph's company. Peter died Sept. 2d, 1S19, aged 69. 

Capt. Zebulon Pike was a Cornet in Moylan's Regiment of 
Continentals in March, 1777; an Adjutant, November 
ist; a Lieutenant, March 15th, 1778; then Paymaster; 
and finally Captain, December 25th, 1778. 

Capt. Robert Ross, of Metuclien, died January 15th, 1822, 
^g^d 73 years, and was buried in the old Metuchen 
cemetery. He was a Captain in the ist Regiment of 
Middlesex Militia. In June, 1781, he was recruiting 
officer for this County. 

John Ross is supposed to have lived at Bonhamtown where 
Benjamin Tappen resides. 

Isaac Sears (or Sayers) was a fifcr in Capt. Ogden's company, 
ist Regiment of Militia. His residence stood where 
Hazelwood Cemetery is now located. 

Thompson Steele was a Captain of Militia and Paymaster. 
Possibly he lived at Piscataway. He was a County 
C(>mmissioner (for seizing the effects of disaffected 
parties who had gone over to the enemy) until June, 
1777, when he was taken prisoner by the British.* 

Capt. Richard Skinner, of the ist Regiment, Militia, was 
killed July ist, 1779, at the Six Roads Tavern — at least 
that is supposed to be the place. 



* Council of Safety of New Jersey, p. 67. 



268 WOODERIDGE AND VICINITY. 

David Stewart, father of Randolph Stewart, lived near the 

Dog Tavern. 
Benjamin Thorp, of Spencer's Regiment of Continentals, 

lived near James Potter's at Short Hills. 
Israel Thornell died May 19th, 1819, in his 74th year, and 

was buried at Metuchen. 
Benjamin Thornei.l belonged to the ist Regiment of Militia, 

and afterward to the Continental Army. 
Samuel Willis was one of Capt. A. F. Randolph's company. 

He lived between Houghtenville and New Dover." 

There may be some names omitted in the foregoing table; 
but, if so, the omission is unintentional. It is not an easy task 
to make a complete statement of this kind; but w^e flatter 
ourselves that we have prepared the best that has been made 
to the present date. 



• For information in this list I am uidebted to A. V. Shotwell, Dr. H. R. Stiles, the 
" Cutter Book," Gen. Stryker's Roster, and reliable tradition. 



CHAPTER XXIL 

1775— 17S3. 

The Revolution, Continued — Stirring Times — Spanktown 
— Events Between 1776 and 1783 in Chronological 
Order — Grace Lacky — Baitle of Ash Swamp — Ezra 
Mundy — The Cutters — Clarkson Edgar — The Moores 
— Jennet Gage. 
The year 1777 was the most exciting one of the war, proba- 
bly, to the inhabitants of Woodbridge. The latter part of the 
year before had been very disastrous to the cause of liberty. 
The American army had retreated across the State to Penn- 
sylvania, passing en route through Bonhamtown and New 
Brunswick. In its wake followed the British and Hessian 
troops, who, flushed with success, ravaged the country, to the 
great consternation of the residents They were checked at 
Trenton in December {25th), 1776; but through all the suc- 
ceeding Spring the enemy despoiled the Eastern part of New 
Jersey. There was terror in every patriot household. Camps 
of the foe were established at Bonhamtown, Raritan Landinjr, 
and New Brunswick, from whicli strolling parties in search of 
plunder were sent out through all the regions adjacent. 
Woodbridge was not neglected by the foragers, as may readily 
be imagined. Skirmishes between them and small parties ot 
Jersey militia were frequent; but the latter were feeble and 
poorly equipped and were in jeopardy every hour. The 
condition of the inhabitants was forlorn and defenceless in the 
extreme, and Hessians marched through the village with their 
huge brass fronted caps, long pig-tails hanging down their 
backs, yellow waistcoats and breeches, and blue dress-coats — 
tyrants of the hour. 

We now propose to give a succinct statement of events 
occurring in Woodbridge and vicinity in nearly chronological 
order, after w^hich we will resume the biographical narratives 
of the preceding chapter. 



270 WOODimiD(JE AND VICINI'IY. 

In July, 1776, the 2d Pennsylvania Battalion of Philadelphia 
marched through Woodbridge on the route to Amboy, One 
company, Capt. Wilcox's, remained on the Smith Farm in 
Woodbridge Neck — for how long a time we do not know." 
In August It was expected that an attack would be made on» 
Amboy by the enemy. Among other measures for defence, 
four hundred men were ordered to be s;tationed at Woodbridge. 

After the battle of Trenton the British tlirough this section 
made their strongholds at Amboy and New Brunswick. 
Piscataway was visited a little while previous to this, and the 
houses robbed of bedding, cooking utensils, etc.,t the wives of 
predatory soldiers assisting in the robberies. 

Soon after the British camp was formed at Bonhamtown a 
Mr. Comptofl, grandfather of Henry Compton, was visited by 
the British, who had learned that two of his sons were serving 
in the Continental army, and telling him to pack up his bed 
and furniture, gave him the old grey horse and a wagon, and 
sent him away. They then burned his house and out-build- 
ings and stole his six horses, thirty head ot cattle, and fifty 
sheep. I Mr. Compton's dwelling stood by the brook between 
Metuchen and Bonhamtown. The camp at the latter place 
was composed of live British regiments. The officers occupied 
the house now the dwelling of Benjamin Tappen — owned at 
that time by the grandfather of Jerome Ross.i^ 

About the 6th of January, 1777, one thousand bushels of 
salt were taken from the English at Spanktown (Rahway) 
after a sharp encounter in which the Americans were victori- 
ous. The conflict lasted two hours. When the British found 
themselves being worsted they sent dispatches to Woodbridge 
and Amboy for reinforcements. Two regiments hastened to 
their relief; but the Hessians encamped at Woodbridge refused 
to go, imagining that the Jersey militia were at Spanktown in 
immense numbers. The two regiments arrived there just in 
time to save their comrades from total disaster. || 

The reason for calling Rahway by the unprepossessing 
name of Spanktown is not obvious. We do not suppose any 
more spanking was done in ancient Rahway than usually befalls 

• WUitehead, 331. t Ibid., 339. t Hunt's Metuchen, p. 12. J Ibid., p. 11. I Hat- 
field, p. 456. 



THK RKVUI.UTION, t:t)N TIN UKD. 27 I 



the rising generation in any thrifty town. But, taking our 
cue from the astute Knickerbocker (who began his history of 
New York from the creation of the world), we go back to the 
old meaning of spank^ and find that it means a quick trot. So 
we say, " he went along at a spanking gait,"- which does not 
mean that his mother administered castigation as he pro- 
ceeded, but that he moved along on his steed at a lively pace. 
Now, what is more reasonable than that Rah way was so noted 
for its fast horses that it became Spanktown on that very 
account.'' The name is certainly invested with much more 
dignity in the latter than in the former view of the case, 
although we are free to confess that the evidence for the one is 
as good as for tlie other. At any rate, we see one signification 
exemplified; Rahway is growing at ^spanking rate; and we 
rejoice in its prosperity. As it was once a part of Woodbridge 
we feel a sort of motherly pride in its progress. As the child 
has grown larger than the parent, it would seem that the 
period of correction has passed; the toddler is approaching 
maturity, and the days of its castigatory trials are ended. 

The river that flows through Rahway was styled Rahwack, 
Rawawack, and Rahawack in the early da3's — so called, it is 
thought, in honor of an Indian chief of that name. It has been 
rendered more euphonious by the modern residents, who call 
it Rahway ; but this name was not given to the town, perma- 
nently, until Monday evening, July 29th, 1S22." Previous to 
that date Bridgetown was its frequent appellation; but at that 
time a meeting of prominent citizens at Smith Freeman's 
hotel (Richard Marsh, Chairman, and Jos. O. Lufbery, Secre- 
tary) settled the matter in designating the town bv its present 
cognomen. 

But to return to Revolutionarv matters: 

Somewhere about February ist, 1777, an engagement 
occurred at Piscataway between one thousand British, with 
three heavy guns, and seven hundred Americans, in which the 
former were compelled to retreat. But receiving reinforce- 
ments and three more guns the enemy drove back the militia, 

* BriOgetowu MuBeiuu and N. J. Advoc, Aug. 3d, 1822. 



272 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



losing in the attacks at least thirty-six, who were killed. Of 
the Americans nine were slain and fourteen were wounded.* 

The distinguished British Gen. Howe came near being 
captured in the neighborhood of Bonhamtown in March of the 
same year. He was at that place on tlic 8th attempting to 
open communication with New Brunswick, which had been 
cut off by the Americans; but he failed. In his attempt to 
return to Amboy 3,000 men were called out as a guard — sup- 
posed to be the entire force in the neighborhood of Bonham- 
town. These troops were put in battle array on " Punk Hill," 
as the nearest advantageous point. Is not this locality 
"Spunk Hill".? It would seem so — the Spunk and Funk 
being confusedly mixed in the mind of the chronicler. Skir- 
mishes occurred between parties of Gen. Maxwell's men and 
these British soldiers, one effect of which was to bring on a 
serious engagement, resulting in loss on both sides. The 
British lost, probably, sixty men killed and wounded, a bag- 
gage-wagon and three pieces ot artillery. f If Maxwell's force 
had attacked the hostile army on the hill and been successful, 
Gen. Howe, probably, would have fallen into the hands of the 
Americans. 

At Spanktown a severe encounter occurred on tiie 23d of 
February, between Maxwell's troops, stationed there, and the 
3d British Brigade from Amboy. The latter made a detour 
by way of Spanktown for the purpose of capturing Maxwell ; 
but their real destination was New Brunswick, into which 
town they intended to bring their prisoners in triumpli. Sad 
to relate, Maxwell was not accommodating enough to be 
captured; but the Americans followed their foes through the 
snow all the wa}' back to Amboy, pouring a destructive fire 
into their ranks as they proceeded. Their loss, from their own 
accounts, was large — four officers and nearly one hundred men 
killed and wounded. The Americans set down the British 
loss at 500 and their own at 3 killed and 12 wounded X Sucii 
a great disparity seems almost incredible. 

Several American soldiers were made prisoners during 
April at or near VVoodbridge. Among them we find Patrick 

* Whitehead, p. 341. t Whitehead, p. 34:2. t Whitehead's Contr., p. 344. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 273 

McConnally, a Hunterdon County man. He was taken on the 
nth* Isaac Cotheal, who was a member of Capt. Marsh's 
troop of Essex Light Horse, was wovinded and captured near 
Woodbridge on the 19th. His wounds must have been severe. 
Because of them he was discharged from the service May ist, 
lyyS.f Cotheal was a guide for the patriot army at the time 
of his capture. He was living in 18 10, as we learn from a 
letter of Lieut. Paton, in which it is stated that he was suffer- 
ing greatly from his wounds, and an increased pension for 
him is mentioned as desirable. 

At two o'clock on the morning of April 15th, 1777, -^ detach- 
ment of Col. Cook's i2th Pennsylvania Regiment, under Capt 
Alexander Paterson, made a successful attack on the British 
picket guard at Bonhamtown, The entire guard (twenty- 
five soldiers) were either killed or taken. The main body of 
the British forces retired to the intrenchments near at hand.J 

Col. Cook's camp was not far from Bonhamtown; and two 
other parties from his regiment, on the nights of the 20th and 
2ist, harassed the enemy's picket, driving it in on both occa- 
sions. Lieut. McCabe made the former attack with only 16 
men, killing one and wounding two. Lieut. Lodge made the 
latter assault, assisted by McCabe, having 32 men in com- 
mand ;§ and the British were in such a state of alarm that the 
entire encampment was kept under arms all night. 

On the 23d of April, long after dark, a detachment of 6^ 
men under Capt. Lacy marched through Woodbridge, from 
the vicinity of Rahway, on the route to Amboy, to surprise the 
Hessian pickets there. But the pickets had been removed ; 
so that, beyond a little consternation and the killing of one 
sentinel and the wounding of another, this adventure was not 
remarkable. On the following night another American party 
of about thirty attempted to accomplish the same purpose? 
but the darkness was great and they stumbled right among the 
Hessians, who captured every one.^ 

In May the Royal Highlanders (71st Scotch Regiment) had 
posted themselves half way between New Brunswick and 
Bonhamtown with six companies of light infantry. On the 

• Gen. Stryker's Roster, p. 243. t Ibid., pp. 174, 656. t Barber & Howe'B His. Coll., 
p. 325. 5 Ibid. IT Whitehead's Contr., p. 344. 



274 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, 

loth they were assailed by a part of Gen. Stevens' division 
and the battle lasted about an hour and a half. Near Piscata- 
way the Highlanders took possession of a wood, but the 
Americans drove them out of it. The pickets of the enemy 
were also driven inro Bonhamtown. Although the Royal 
troops were reinforced, such was the vigor of the onslaught of 
the Continentals that they again retreated, fighting as they 
retired. Another British reinforcement compelled the Amer- 
icans to give way. In excellent order they fell back with a 
loss of twenty-seven. Tlie Highlanders suffered severely, but 
the loss is not stated.* 

The British army evacuated New Brunswick on the 22d of 
June, retreating to Perth Amboy. On Thursday morning 
(26th) they marched forth under Sir William Howe and Lord 
Cornwallis as far as Westfield, intending to annihilate Gen. 
Washington, whose camp was now situated in the neighbor- 
hood of Plainfield. But the resistance they encountered at 
every stage of their advance was disheartening in the extreme. 
Nearly every cross-road had its squad of pugnacious militia 
which poured its deadly volleys into the splendid columns of 
the well-equipped troops. As they were passing through 
Woodbridge they were checked for half an hour by Col. 
Daniel Morgan's Rangers. Some sharp skirmishing and 
rapid firing resulted in considerable loss of life. 

The army moved from Amboy in two columns, one march- 
ing by Vv'ay of Metuchen meeting-house under Howe, and the 
other passing through Woodbridge under command of Corn- 
wallis. These columns were to form a junction beyond Me- 
tuchen; and then, two miles further on, they were to separate 
in order to fiank the Americans at Quibbletown. Four bat- 
talions took up their position at Bonhamtown, with six heavy 
guns, in the morning of this eventful day. The right column, 
under Cornwallis, was the one that met Morgan's Rangers at 
Woodbridge. Lord Howe's official dispatch states that Mor- 
gan's force comprised 700 men. Of course, the Rangers were 
compelled to give way, for the odds against them were too 
heavy. ' 

• HiBt. Coll. of N. J., p. 325. Wbitebead, p. 344. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 275 

When Cornwallis entered the road leading to Scotch Plains, 
just above the " Metuchen meeting-house," he was checked by 
Gen. Stirling's corps of American troops. A general skirmish 
ensued. Stirling was well posted in a wood, but he was 
compelled to retire after a severe contest, in which he lost 
three brass pieces of ordnance, and several men. Lord Howe 
admits the British loss to be five killed, thirty wounded, and 
thirteen prisoners ; but sets down the loss on the other side 
at sixty-three killed and over two hundred wounded and 
prisoners — a gross exaggeration if we may believe Gen, 
Stirling's report. The enemy's troops in this conflict com- 
prised three, regiments of Hessian Grenadiers, one of British 
Grenadiers, one of Light Infantry, the Hessian Chasseurs, and 
the Queen's Rangers. Doubtless one cause ot Gen. Stirling's 
retreat at Metuchen was the knowledge he must have pos- 
sessed that Lord Howe was advancing in the rear of the right 
column and would soon overtake it with a powerful reinforce- 
ment.* 

After an intensely hot day and a fatiguing march, the Brit- 
ish army entered Westfield. Looking toward the hills the 
weary soldiers saw that Washington had made his camp 
among them, having forsaken Quibbletown and all the plain. 
Every movement was in view of the American commander; 
for, taking his position on the bold bluff now so well known 
as " Washington's Rock," he was able to distinguish any 
important manoeuvre the foe might choose to make. 

It was three o'clock on Friday afternoon that the English 
Generals, seeing Washington's impregnable position, took up 
their line of march from Westfield to Amboy, assaulted flank 
and rear by Scott's Light Horse and Morgan's Rangers, 
They encamped that night at Spanktown. The next day, 
harassed as before, they resumed their retreat and arrived at 
Amboy, from which, on the last day of June, they departed — 
leaving New Jersey in possession of the American army. 
During the remainder of the war the latter held Amboy, and 
the State was never again so completely overrun with 
marauders and British troops, although many parties entered 
it lor pillage from hostile camps in adjoining States, 

* Howe's dispatch ; see Whitehead, p. 346, Also Hatfield, p. 460. 



276 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

While the British cause seemed to be in the ascendency, in 
the former part of 1777, the Tories were exultant and assisted 
the King's troops in every possible vv^ay ; but now they were 
doomed to severe retribution. Many of them were glad to 
escape with their lives to the English lines, leaving their prop- 
erty in the hands ot the angry citizens. There were cases of 
tarring and feathering, which caused a speedy exit of certain 
Royalists to the congenial latitude of Staten Island. 

TJie New Jersey Council of Safety,* which met at Haddon- 
field on the i6th of August of this year, cited Ichabod Bunn, 
Thomas Bloomfield, Sen., Samuel Freeman, Samuel Heard, 
Michael Long, John Kinsey, and Samuel Insley to appear as 
witnesses in respect to disaffected parties in this section. As 
a result, perhaps, of this citation, we find the following, on the 
record of the Council, bearing date Wednesday, August 27th : 

" Ordered the wives and children (under age) ot John Heard, 
Ellis Barron, Wm. Smith, Isaac Freeman and Saml. Moores, 
late inhabitants of the Township of Woodbridge, but now 
with the Enemy, be immediately apprehended & sent over to 
Staten Island; & that Col. Fredk. Frelinghuysen be directed 
to carry this order into execution." 

In the early part of October troops began to assemble at 
Woodbridge and Elizabethtown in large numbers, supposed 
to be two thousand militia, under Gea. Maxwell. Generals 
Heard and Maxwell led a large detachment from these places 
on Friday (the 2d) toward Hackensack to attack the British 
troops wliich Avere threatening to invade Bergen County. f 

A guard was kept at Railway by tlie Americans at this time 
to prevent incursions from Staten Island; but forays were, 
nevertheless, of frequent occurrence. Thirteen mounted 
Tories rode into Railway on Sunday evening, January 30th, 
1780, and surprised nine soldiers in the company of several 
young ladies. Tlie refugees took their prisoners to the Island, 
to a social atmosphere by no means as pleasant as that from 
which they had been so ruthlessly snatched. | As this Winter 
was very cold the Sound was frozen over, and the Tories and 
other inimical marauders were able to cross it at any point 

• Miuutes of the Council, p. 117. t Hatfield's Elizabeth, 469. t Ibid., 483. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 277 

with horses and vehicles. It was, indeed, a terrible Winter to 
all the inhabitants in this section. 

But several other matters connected with the year 1777 
ought to be mentioned here : 

The Council of Safety met at Princeton on the 8th of 
December, and a guard from Major Potter at Woodbridge 
brought the following prisoners from Middlesex before the 
Board: Ellenor Worth, Charles Friend, John Willis, Walter 
Noakes, Michael Condin, and William Fleming. All but the 
two last were taken into custody and detained in Princeton. 
Maj. Reuben Potter was 2d Major in the First Regiment of 
Middlesex Militia from 1776 to 1778, when he resigned. 

The following appears in the minutes of the Council of the 
same date: "Agreed that there be paid to Israel Freeman for 
coming with his Waggon & two horses from Woodbridge 
with Guards & five prisoners to the Council of Safety and 
returning to Woodbridge ^4. 11. 6." 

On the next day (Tuesday, the 9th) the Council "Agreed 
that his Excellency [the Governor] direct Col. Seely com- 
manding at Elizabetiitown to remove the Cattle from Rahway 
Neck, and such other places where from their proximity to 
the Enemy tliey may be in danger of being carried off by 
them, to places of greater security, (the owners of such cattle 
refusing to do it, on notice given to them for that purpose) 
and that the removal of such Cattle be Effected with as little 
damage to the proprietors as circumstances will allow or the 
public service requires." 

Col. Seely was directed on the Saturday following to 
remove all "sheep and hogs," also "out of the reach of the 
enemy." 

On the afternoon of the 20th the Council "Ordered That 
Majr. Potter be directed to remove to Staten Island, Sarah 
Barron, & the wife of William Smith, the wife of John Heard, 
& the wife of Samuel Moore, as well as the wives of sucli 
other persons as have returned from the Enemies' lines, 
without leave, after having been removed into the same by 
order of the Council of Safety; & make a return of what he 
shall have done in the premises with all convenient speed. 
Agreed that there be paid to Matthew Freeman for himself & 



278 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Guard & three prisoners from Woodbridge, with a Waggon 
& 2 horses and a spare horse, the sum of ^11. o. o."* 

A petition was received by the Council on the loth of 
January, 1778, from certain of the inhabitants of Woodbridge 
asking that Mrs. William Smith might be permitted to remain 
in the town, which was granted on condition that she should 
remain with her father's family. In the Spring of '78 several 
of these wives of disaffected parties were taken by . Maj. 
Potter from Woodbridge to Elizabethtown, whence they were 
sent by a flag of truce to Staten Island. f 

On the 5th of June Ebenezer Ford, a Woodbridge man, was 
appointed Commissioner for Middlesex to dispose of Tory 
property, in place of Capt. Baker, who had resigned. J On 
the 17th Gen. Winds was directed to remove all the cattle 
from Woodbridge Neck and its vicinity, as they were liable 
to fall into British hands. § 

On the first Thursday evening in June, 1780, a party of 
thirty Tories landed on the Raritan River and proceeded to 
Woodbridge, where they captured Justice Freeman, a Mr. 
Edgar, six other white persons, and two negroes, all of whom 
were taken to New York.^ 

During 1781 the "Cow Boys" visited the Jersey border, 
opposite Staten Island, in frequent forays, plundering and 
imprisoning the inhabitants in unprotected localities with 
impunity. One Wednesday niglit in March (21st) a party of 
them from the Island entered Rahway and kidnapped nearly 
a dozen of its residents, besides stealing all the available 
property along the way.| 

In 1782, William Clarke, one of these "Cow Boys," was 
shot near Woodbridge while making one of his predatory 
excursions in this vicinity. It was asserted that he had 
carried into the British lines, since the Autumn of 1776, over 
one hundred fine horses from this and neighboring counties. 
He was a sharp fellow and managed, by disguises, to keep 
Avithin the American lines a large part of the five years in 
which he plied his dangerous vocation, without being de- 
tected; but he was decoyed into an ambuscade by several 



* MiQutes of Council, p. 177. 1 Minutes of Couu. of Safety, p. 215. t Ibid.,p. 247. 
§ Council of Safety, p. 255. H His. CoU., p. 326. II Hatilelil, p. 502. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 279 

patriots, who lured hini by a forged letter, purporting to come 
from a confederate, in which he was informed that at a certain 
place near Woodbridge would be found on a given day two 
valuable horses tied to a tree. Tempted by the chance, Clarke 
approached the spot only to be slain by a volley of musketry.* 

On the nth of April, 1783, Congress proclaimed a cessation 
of hostilities, a treaty of peace having been signed between 
Great Britain and the United States; and at noon on Satur- 
day, the 19th, just eight years after the war began, the 
proclamation was officially promulgated to the entire Ameri- 
can army, and the independence of the colonies was estab- 
lished. 

We return now to the personal narratives of those who 
lived in these stirring times : 

James C. Moore resided, during the Revolution, with his 
father on the farm now well known as the Maj. Edgar Home- 
stead; and, although he was quite young, he remembered and 
would relate, previous to his sickness and death, many inter- 
esting incidents connected with that heroic period. He said 
that on the opposite corner, east of the house, stood a cider- 
mill which fronted the dock. Lurking in the neighborhood 
was a man frym Staten Island who was suspected of being a 
Tory and a spy. Knowing these suspicions were aroused the 
stranger began to feel uncomfortable, and yet he found it dif- 
ficult to get back to the Island because all intercourse there- 
with was prohibited and no boats were permitted to cross the 
Sound. His situation becoming more critical every day he 
grew desperate; and going to the cider-press one dark night 
he loosened the large trough, which was used to receive the 
crushed appld^, and launched it with the ai d of rollers into the 
river. A shovel, which he found in the mill, served for a 
paddle — and thus he began his novel voyage, which, it is said, 
he accomplished in safety. If this was not " paddling his own 
canoe" it was as close an imitation of that far-fomed operation 
as he could achieve with somebody else's craft. 

A shrewd lady was Grace Lacky. While Woodbridge was 
infested with Hessians they impudently entered the houses of 

* Historical Coll. of N. J., p. 323. 



28o WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

the inhabitants and carried off anything on which they could 
lay their hands. Grace did not fancy such visitations and 
accordingl)/ devised a plan to prevent them. She inscribed 
in large letters on her door the word, " Small-pox ! " It is 
hardly necessary to say that when the import of the dreadful 
term was made known to the redoubtable sons of Hesse they 
deserted that part of the village with commendable speed. 

Grace was by no means a coward. On or about the 20th 
of May, 1777, as she was passing a deserted house in this 
village she looked through the window and saw an intoxicated 
Hessian soldier lying on the floor. He had evidently strag- 
gled from his party and entered here to sleep off the effect of 
his copious potations. What should she do .-• There was no 
American force nearer than a mile, nor were there any men 
of Continental principles anywhere at hand. Should she 
consult her own convenience and safety and leave the drunken 
fellow.'' No, that she would not. Going home, she hastily 
clothed herself in man's attire and sallied forth again. Enter- 
ing the forlorn dwelling in which the soldier was peacefully 
snoring, she cautiously took his gun away and then aroused 
the sleeper with a demand for his immediate surrender. 
Somewhat sobered by the critical situation of affairs, he gazed, 
in a muddled sort of way, at his captor, who stood ready to 
discharge his musket at his head if he made a hostile demon- 
stration. At Grace's command he staggered to his feet and 
walked, with an uncertain gait, out of the house and down the 
road toward the American quarters. The patrol guard of a 
New Jersey regiment, stationed near Woodbridge, met the 
effeminate captor with her victim, and the prisoner was placed 
in the custody of the soldiers, to the great satisfaction of all 
parties, except the Hessian.* 

What is known among our oldest citizens as the "battle of 
Ash Swamp " was fought in this township. By a recent act 
of the State Legislature creating Raritan Township (passed 
in March, 1870), the scene of that engagement is no longer 
embraced within the limits of Woodbridge, but witiiin those 
of Raritan. Its exact locality is a little west of Robert C. 

* This is a reliable tradition. For corroboration see Barber & Howe's HiBt.Coll., p. 325. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. ' 281 

Vail's present residence. Robert Coddington was at that 
time a boy about sixteen years of age — so his son, Robert, 
tells us — and he acted as a guide to the American troops. 
The battle probably occurred in the Spring of 1777, and was a 
desperate conflict. Previous to the contest the British pre- 
pared and ate a repast on the farm of Daniel Moore — for some 
of them it was the last meal. No doubt there was great 
hilarity among the red-coated soldiers as they partook of the 
rustic dinner. We imagine we see them scattered in pictur- 
esque groups over the wide field, with the blue smoke from 
many camp-fires rising in languid spiral columns from the 
ashes and 'embers. There pace the vigilant sentinels ; here 
dozes a sleepy teamster; there prance the cavalry horses; 
here gleams the burnished steel of a stack of muskets; there 
flutters the bunting of England — the British cross; here 
reclines a thoughtful officer in the brilliant uniform of the 
Royal Light Horse; there is a busy aid-de-camp hurrying from 
company to company ; here is a noisy crowd discussing the 
probable issue of the campaign. In graceful attitude stands 
not far away the bugler with his highly polished cornet in his 
hand awaiting the word of command. When the clear ring- 
ing notes are heard at length the aspect of the whole camp is 
changed. The men vault lightly in their saddles, the drunivS 
tremble with the rapid strokes of the loud "call to arms," the 
infantry fall into line ; and, as if by magic, the hour of uproar 
and feasting is succeeded by complete silence of human 
voices. The birds sing gaily in adjacent woods, save which 
only the heavy tread of the t^plendid troops is heard as they 
move to the tap of the drum. 

A volley is heard. There is a halt. A man here and 
another there fall wounded in the ranks. There is a hurried 
consultation. When the smoke clears away a body of Amer- 
ican infantry is descried, opposing the further advance of the 
invaders. The latter were chiefly British Light Horsemen ; 
but some of them were foot-soldiers, who, reliable traditions 
tell us, covered their musket-balls with verdigris and so 
poisoned the Americans, wounded by them, that many died 
who otherwise would have recovered. The British cavalry 
charged upon the sturdy patriots who fed before them. It is 



262 • WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

probable that this flight was a ruse de guerre, because the 
Americans hurriedly retreated into the treacherous swamp. 
They were well acquainted with it, but the cavalry men, who 
came thundering after them, were not at all informed of its 
morasses and fenny recesses. So eager was their pursuit that 
they plunged into the swamp at a swift gallop and soon 
discovered their fatal mistake. From behind the large trees 
a shower of balls greeted the unfortunate horsemen and many 
a steed started riderless away. In vain the spur and rein. 
The soft adhesive mud clung to every hoof. The animals, 
with trembling limbs, struggled wildly for solid ground, and 
the confusion increased momentarily as the unseen foe dimin- 
ished the British ranks with terrible precision. 

At last the carnage was ended. The Americans were vic- 
torious. Those of the British who had not ventured too near 
the swamp retreated in safety. Every house in the neighbor- 
hood was filled with the wounded, and we may readily believe 
that not many inhabitants in that region retired to sleep that 
night. What a woful scene must have been presented 

" When the eveuiug st;u- went down." 

The dead were buried on the farm late Noe Clarkson's. 
Noe was a boy at that time, and was employed, witli sled 
and oxen, in bringing water to the wounded. For many 
years the inhabitants told the story of this battle; and as late 
as 1822 musket balls were to be found on the ground and 
every tree bore marks of the terrible struggle.* 

Ezra Mundy, born near Oak Tree, was a chili during the 
war. He has told his descendants that he was once taken by 
his mother to an old barn near the school-house wiiile British 
troops were passing. His father was in the American army, 
so that the family was without a protector. Other women 
and children, similarly situated, had sought the same refuge. 
As Ezra v;as playing with some of his companions he heard 
one woman say to another; " How little these children know 
of our danger ! " As if to emphasize the remark a cannon 
ball soon after passed througli the barn. But the hiding-place 



* I .im indebted for iuformation concerning this engagement to A. V. Shotwell, Robert 
Coddington, and the "Bridge-town Museum " of July 27fh, 1822. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 283 

was not further molested and the troops passed out of sight.* 

It is supposed that the house now occupied by Benajah 
Kelly, not far from Oak Tree, was once a British guard-room. + 
Cut into the glass of a window in the east room is the following 
inscription : " Capt. Wm. Thompson arrived at this house 
from New York loth Day of October 1775 ^^^ with sorrow 
and harts Distress he many da\-s hear spent much." Over 
this is the name of John Cutter, who was, doubtless, another 
rebel prisoner. 

Speaking of Cutler reminds me that Stephen Cutter, son of 
Deacon William, had some Revolutionary experience which 
deserve^ to be remembered. A party of the enemy from 
Staten Island once came up the Woodbridge Creek and took 
him prisoner. He lived, so it is supposed, in the house now 
occupied by Samuel R. Cutter, which is the old homestead 
and has been in possession of the family over one hundred 
and fifty years. As the house is A-ery near the water it is not 
singular that the British visited it, especially as Stephen was 
a "rebel." He was taken at night, and in crossing the Sound 
his captors commanded him to take the oars to assist in row- 
ing, which he refused. They threatened to throw him over- 
board, if he did not comply, but they did not execute the threat. 

Tabitha Cutter, Stephen's wife, was no friend to the British, 
especially after a visit some of them made, when they dam- 
aged her furniture and took the dinner-pot from the fire and 
spread the contents over the floor. She regarded this as 
unpardonable, and what woman would not.' She was the 
daughter of Samuel F. Randolph, and died, aged eighty-nine, 
in 1841. Her husband^lived to be seventy-eight years old, 
and died in AVoodbridge on the 21st of June, 1823/}; 

Ford Cutter, son of Richard, was a farmer in this town. 
He was born about the year 1757 and died in 1817. In the 
battle of Monmouth his health was badly shattered. The day 
was intensely hot and our troops suffered terribly, many of 
them dying of thirst. Ford never entirely recovered from the 
bodily injuries he received during that notable struggle. 

At the time when this part of the country was overrun with 

• Dr. E. M. Hunt's Metuchen, p. 11. t Ibid. t " See Cutter Family," p. 93. 



284 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

British troops, large herds of cattle were kept by them in the 
commons around the Strawberry Hill school-house. Among 
the animals was a yoke of oxen belonging to Ford. He, of 
course, was not consulted when they were driven from his 
field, and he felt indignant at the robbery. One night he 
quietly entered the enclosure and released the creatures, which 
recognized and followed him from the Hill. The rest of the 
cattle silently followed Mr. Cutter's oxen until they were all 
beyond the soldiers' reach. We do not know whether any of 
the animals were re-captured or not. 

Ford Cutter in 1797, while living at Elizabethtown, was 
interested in a line of stages running from that place to New 
Brunswick. This was part of the passenger line from New 
York to Philadelphia.* 

Clarkson Edgar, sometimes called " General Edgar," is 
buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Woodbridge. He 
died, at the age of sixty, on the 21st of July, 1816. He was 
Captain in the ist Regiment of Middlesex, and then First 
Major in the same corps. The latter commission was given 
to him on the 12th of December, 1778. On the 9th of October, 
1779, he was transferred to Col. Holmes' New Jersey Regi- 
ment with the rank of Major. f 

Britain Moores, son of Daniel, was a sturdy friend of the 
American cause and suffered for it. The Tories visited the 
house in which he lived in Woodbridge and carried him, a 
prisoner, to New York, where he was kept "in durance vile" 
for six weeks. James, his brother, was also abused for his 
patriotism. The mother, Mrs. Moores, was very sarcastic in 
her conversations with the Tory neighbors and sometimes 
openly hostile to them. One of these, Isaac Dunham, would 
drop over to see the Moores occasionally, and appeared 
covertly pleased with the evidences of misfortune he saw at 
the old homestead. He always seemed to know when a raid 
had been made and availed himself of the first opportunity to 
call on the afflicted household to rejoice in its sorrows. An 
emphatic protest by Mrs. Moores, on one occasion, accom- 
panied by vigorous demonstrations with various loose articles 



" Cutter Family," pp. 101, 102. t Geu. Stryker's Roster, p. 364. 



THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 285 

near at hand, caused Isaac to put his long legs in rapid 
motion, with a mental resolution never to go near that dan- 
gerous woman again — especially as he was kindly informed 
that if he came to the Moores place after this his head and its 
appurtenances would be laid under contribution by a well- 
directed broomstick or some other effective appliance. It is 
unnecessary to remark that he suspended his neighborly 
visits for an indefinite length of time. 

Daniel Moores, the father of Britain and James, was a 
prominent man in the township. He was an elder in the 
Presbyterian Church and led the singing for many years. The 
war broke out about seventeen years before his death, which 
occurred in his sixtj'-fourth year, on the 28th of April, 1792. 

Jennet Gage was another historic character belonging to 
this period; but her name is chiefly associated with the 
raising of the first "liberty pole," or flag-staff, in Woodbridge. 
It was some time after the close of the war. Popular excite- 
ment ran high for awhile over the joyful result of the pro- 
longed struggle. The general enthusiasm manifested itself 
in various ways. Jennet was determined to have a pole 
erected; so, taking the black man "Joe," and a yoke of oxen, 
she went into the woods and selected one of the stateliest and 
most symmetrical hickory trees. "Joe" cut it down with 
great satisfaction and trimmed it with care. Then the oxen 
were brought into requisition and the tree was drawn to the 
corner of the road opposite Commoss & Ensign's store, where 
it was set in the grovxnd by Jennet and " Joe." Here the 
"stars and stripes" were unfurled and gracefully saluted the 
Tillagers as the rattling halliards bore them to the top of the 
pole. This staff was standing nearly in front of the old 
" Cross Keys' Tavern ; " but it became so insecure that it was 
taken down. 

Jennet was the sister of Zebulon M. Pike's father and was 
the mother of Ellis, James, and "Big Philip" Gage. She 
lived below Hampton Cutter's present residence — half way 
between his house and his clay-bank, along by the brook. It 
is not improbable that she found her tall hickory in the woods 
near her dwelling. Jennet is represented as being a woman 
of enthusiastic temperament and of rather masculine charac- 
ter, but of undoubted patriotism. 



CHAPTER XXIll. 

Conclusion — Town Meetings During the Revolution — 
Our Great Men. 

We have now brought down the history of Woodbridge and 
vicinity to the period we had assigned as the limit of this 
volume. But before closing we must gather up several frag- 
ments which belong to this portion of the story of our town- 
ship. 

The following are the minutes of the Town Meetings from 
1776 to 1783 inclusive, literally transcribed from Liber B. It 
will be seen that between March 12th, 1776, and March nth, 
1783, no meetings are recorded; and our readers will not fail 
to observe that no allusion is made to the war. These minutes 
are valuable, however, because they show who held the town- 
ship offices during this memorable time : 

" March ye 12th, 1776 — At a general Town Meeting of thee 
Jnhabitants of woodbridge Persuant to an act of General 
Assembly it Passed by a general and free voate as followeth — 

ist William Smith Shall Be Moderator for thee Preasant 
Day— 

2d That Robert F. Randolph Shall Be Town Clark ye Jnsu. 
year. 

3d That John Shotwell Jsaac & Matthew freeman be Over 
Seears of the Poor for the Jnsuing year— 

4th Benjamin Thornal & Samuel Force be Freeholders for 
ye year. 

5th That Joseph Shotwell Serve as assesor for ye year 
Jnsuing — 

6th That Nathl. Heard Serve as Collector to geather ye 
taxes ye Jns. 

7th That James Bonny & Robt. Clarkson Be Serveyors ye 
year Jnsuing. 

8th That John Marsh, Marmeduke Hunt, Jsrael freeman, 



CONCLUSION. 287 

David Kent, Wm. Moore Junr., James Munden, & James 
Ayres Be overseears of thee Roads thee year Jnsuing — 

9th That Samuel Jaquish, Benjamin Thornal, Moses Bloom- 
field, Nathaniel Heard, Robert Clarkson & Joseph Shotwell 
be continued as trusteeas to the Scool Land & Money for thee 
year Jnsuing, The Report made by thee aforeSd. trustees is 
that thee Total, Principal, Jntrest, &c., of Schooal Land 
Money amounts to ;^ii62: 12: 6. 

loth Voted that Daniel Moores Jnspect thee town Book in 
thee Rooam of Samuel Parker & that sd. Moore & Moses 
Bloomfield Vallue sd. Town Book & give an order on thee 
overseears of sd. Poor for thee Sum — and that Nathl. f. Ran- 
dolph shall have the priveledge to chuse John Smith of Amboy 
to Jnspect sd. book in behalf of himself. 

Robt. Randolph, 

Town Clark." 

The last minute above has reference to the Fitz Randolph 
copy of the old Town Book, as we have shown elsewhere 
(see page 205). The item relating to the School Fund, under 
the next date, is omitted, as it is embodied in Chapter XVL 

" March nth, 1783, at a general town meeting of the inhab- 
atants of the township of woodbridg pursuant to a Nad of 
general assembly it passed by a general and free Voate as fol- 
loweth : 

1. that Moses Blumfield be moderator for the preasant 
day — 

2. that David Frazee shall be town Clark for the year insu- 
ing— 

3. that Marthew Freeman and Cornelas Baker be freholders 
the year in suing. 

4. that Clarkson Edger shall be assesor for the year insu- 
ing— 

5. that Jeremiah Clarkson and James Manning shall be 
Corlectors and over sears of the poor the year insuing — 

6. that Henery Marsh, Asher F. Randolph, Jeames Bonney, 
Jsreal Thornal Shall be the asestants to the assesor ye insuing 
year. 

7. that Thomas Edger, John Ross, Cornelas Baker, be Com- 
misheners of apeels the year insuing — 



288 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

8. that Benjaman Shotwell and Carlile Brown Shall be the 
Survares of the Roods the year insuing — 

9. that Thomas Eston, Jur., Jsaac Tappen, Thomas Free- 
man, Henery alien, John Brown, John Dobs, John Mursha- 
row, Carlile Brown, Benjaman Kelly Shall be oversears of the 
Roods for the year insuing — 

10. that Jonathan Conger, Danel Compton, Benjamen Ford 
shall be Constabels for the year insuing — 

11. that Jeremiah Clarkson, Jeames Bonney, to joyne the 
commitey of the Schoole Land in the Rume of Justice man- 
ning and Josiah Freeman — 

12. that John Brown call on Robert F. Randolph and get 
the town Books that are in his hands — 

13. that Clarkson Edger and Jeames Bonney agree with 
John hampton on the best tarmes they can for the town Books 
that are in his hands. 

14. that Jonathan Blumfield, Henery Marsh, Clarkson 
Edger, John Marsh, Marthew Freeman, for to settel with the 
committey of the School Land." 

"June nth, 1783, the town meeting apinted to Rase money 
for the Relef of the poor is agi/?-tide to tuesday 17th of this 
Jnstant [when it is recorded], 

1. that it passed by a general and free vot that Moses Blum- 
field be moderator for the day — 

2. that one hundred pounds be Raised for the Releef of the 
poor. 

3. that twentey pounds be Raised to Repare bridges of said 
town." 

There is some frantic spelling in these minutes which is not 
altogether unintelligible. In the last record we are sorry to 
spoil such a scholastic invention as agurndc; but through pity 
lor prevalent ignorance we feel impelled to bring the word 
down to the level of ordinary minds. We must translate it. 
Malicious whisperers might insinuate that it has something to 
do with the Dutchman's " ager fits ; " but such souls have no eye 
or ear for the beauties of language. Agurnde simply means 
adjourned. Could anything be more obscure or more tasteful 
than this ingeniously occult term ? It looks like a stately 
Latin word, and beside it the common participle sinks into 



CON'CI.USION. 289 

insignificance. There, too, is tiie word surveyors — how beauti- 
fully has the Town Clerk transformed it ! Sitrvarcs is certainly 
as elegant as ^'agurnde" and shows the fertility of a brain 
fully given up to orthography. 

The taxes for 1780-81, according to an accoi;nt in L.iber B, 
folios 2b and 27, were paid in Continental paper, State money, 
and "hard cash"— the last being rather scarce. ^43,939, 9(f- 
is the amount of the year's receipts for ta.xes; an enormous 
sum, apparently, but when we consider that only ^^4, 2s. Gd. 
out of the £,1.20-,, 2,s. gt/. paid to Thomas Edgar as O /erseer 
of the Poor were in "hard cash," we are not greatly aston- 
ished at the big figures. Of the round sum (/^44,ooo) it is 
highly probable that ^'43,500 were in paper. To galvanize an 
old joke: it required a wagon to take the money to the 
butcher and a pocket-book to carry the steak to Mary. 

At the close of the war how many firesides were enlivened 
by the vivid stories of its actual participants ! Late at night 
by the wide chimney, up which the sparks and tobacco smoke 
went cheerily together, the names of Natty Randolph, General 
Heard, and many others (some, alas, unknown to us) mingled 
in the thrilling narratives whh. which the evening was whiled 
away. Gaping boys and large-eyed girls drank in eagerly 
the wonderful reminiscences; and manv a hero, over his mug 
of cider, recalled the recent scenes of daring encounter to an 
admiring grouyi of listeners. Grateful was the patriot to 
hearken to the conversation of two old soldiers, suggesting to 
each other events familiar to both. And ladies, not vet grown 
old, tarried at the table sipping the fragrant tea, and repeating 
the startling experiences through which thev had latelv 
passed. -A common cause and a common interest had drawn 
many people together whom nothing but the same sufferings 
and rejoicings would have brought into social relations. So 
the war had its beneficent results to offset its record of woe. 
The old folks tell us that the pleasant times of the past can 
never be repeated — that the people of that period were more 
friendly and that the visits of acquaintances were less osten- 
tatious than those of to-day. Perhaps things are as they 
represent them. Certain it is that the simplicity of former 
times has almost departed. We hear verv little now of the 



290 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

unconventional gatherings for which that age was distin- 
guished. The husking frolics, the apple bees, the quilting 
parties, and other simple means of pleasure liave given place 
to the greatest bore that was ever invented — the modern 
dance, at which everybody feels as stiff and constrained as 
though he had been doing penance for a week in a refrigera- 
tor. Well, we do not wish the old times to come again — we 
do not lament that they have gone forever — but we wish the 
genial spirit of them might be restored to the people of to-day. 
In the haste to get rich many of the finer feelings of the heart 
are almost destroyed, as flowers are trampled under hurrying 
and careless feet. Were it not for the sweet and elevating in- 
fluence of the religion of Jesus, mankind, in its headlong race 
after ignoble prizes, would soon plunge back into barbarism. 
It is greatly the fashion at this time to laud the native gener- 
osity of the human heart ; but the laudation comes from 
those who least need assistance and who, therefore, know least 
about the subject. The heart grows callous to sympathy 
when it is turned in wholly upon itself. Wars in the past 
history of this country have had the providential compensa- 
tion, apart from the objects aimed at, of bringing the people 
closer together. The burst of patriotism evoked in 1776 has 
communicated an electric shock to the nation which tingles 
througjh the encrusted selfishness of 1873. Selfishness, sa^s 
one, was surely not manifested when Chicago was burned. 
True; that was a noble generosity which poured its benevo- 
lence into tliat stricken city. But criminal selfishness robbed 
New York and permitted frauds in Philadelphia, Newark, and 
other places. Selfishness, the hot-bed of aristocracy, the foe 
to true republicanism, planned the Credit Mobilier scheme 
and scores of comparatively petty thefts upon the public. 
Selfishness establishes caste and holds itself an enemy to the 
spirit of American institutions. Is there no necessity for 
unity — for a broader political culture — for an enlightened, 
unselfish patriotism ? This nation is emphatically a brother- 
hood, and its darkest hour will come when the feeling of fra- 
ternity dies. That is why the Christian religion is a necessity 
to us. It is full of brotherly kindness — the sap of our national 
existence. The lack of it has brought disgrace upon us in the 
recent past. 



I 

CONCLUSION. 291 J" 

But we did not intend to write a pliilosophic disquisition, b f ly-^ 
We merely intend to point out the danger of trifling with the ^"A 
hard-earned results of the Revolution, and to show that unsel- y !rv "^ 
fish patriotism should be cultivated if we would remain a true "^ \ \ 
democracy. \ 4^-? 

Reviewing the history we have written, we think we must f ,^ 
assign the most prominent place in it, previous to the war of - "^ V 
'76, to Samuel Moore. He was scrupulously exact in all his 3 -i^ ^ 
transactions wnth the local and provincial governments, and l^^JlS 
was, moreover, a man of great financial and executive ability. VTS"^ 
He was, in fact, one of the greatest men of Woodbridge, and *^ 'j V 
he is the central figure in the days of the settlement. In some f ^^ 
respects the jurist, Samuel Dennis, was the peer of Moore- !^ ^ 
and, as we have seen, both men were held in high estimation ^ f ^ 
by the town-folk. Dennis, however, achieved much of his | j 
popularity after Moore's death — the people regarding him as "^ >,■ ^ 
the only man qualified to succeed their favorite. Dennis 4^ ; ^ 
continued to figure prominently in public affairs until his ^ ^ Vn 
decease ; but Judge Pike became a formidable rival before ^* ^ 
that event occurred. Pike was a man of considerable judicial 'i^^'i^ 
acumen and is the ancestor of some notable men. He seems k 
to have thrown himselt heartily into the township business, , y 
and displayed so much wisdom in his counsels that his fellow ?' ^ -I 
citizens made him a Judge. A son, named John, also, was -"^ ^^ 
conspicuous in our village annals. Dennis outlived Pike *^ ^ 
seventeen or eighteen years. Had Pike survived Dennis v> ^ ^ 
there is no question but that he would have been the foremost ,^ "^ ** 



^ ""^ 



!W> 



man in the community. Pike was for many years the military 

chieftain of Woodbridge, and he is often spoken of as "Cap- S 1 -V 

tain"; but the village soldiery was of little importance and V ">- '^ 

not a great deal of real honor was attached to the imposing ^>^ ^ 
army titles. The Bishops had a monopoly of the cheap dis-)^ ^ ^ ^ 

tinction at one time — young John glorying for a long time in ^ ^ 

the captaincy, old John in the lieutenancy — Jonathan being '^ 

ensign. No use being made of these officers, of course we k f 

cannot say just how valiant they were. In civil life the f ^ ^ 

Bishops were exceedingly useful, and did good service in v* 4k 

their " day and generation " whereof we have reason to be "^ v; ^ 

glad. The most notable man after Dennis and Pike had *a f^ 

■i * 

4 ^'^ 



292 



WOODBRIDGli AND VICINITY. 



passed away was Judge Hude, although his name does not 
occur as often in t'Le records as the names of otliers. After 
him arose the distinguished James Parker, the printer. Of no 
event ought Woodbridge to be more proud, in its civil 
history, than of the birth of this remarkably talented and 
viseful citizen. Many men had labored for the material 
advancement of the place — striving to make it a populous and 
wealthy town ; but he labored for its mental and moral 
improvement. With his types and press he did more for the 
elevation of his State than many a more prominent man. 
And though in the lapse of years his name has ceased to be 
connected with the impulse which he gave to thought and 
literature in his time, yet his influence is stirring many hearts 
to-day like the subtle force at the pole which produces com- 
motion at the equator. Just as, long after the hand of the 
musician is withdrawn, the strings of the lyre continue to 
vibrate and give out pleasant sounds ; so, long after a forceful 
life is closed, its sweetness and influence are felt even by some 
who cannot trace the mysterious power tg its author. Park- 
er's unreco2;nized influence is felt to-day and will be felt for 
many days to come. PI is was an earnest life and left its 
impress — " foot-prints on the sands of time " ; 

" Foot-priQt3 that perhaps another, 
Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, 
Seeius, shall take heart again." 

The Revolution produced a host of strong characters, as we 
have seen; and some of them were our fathers and mothers. 
We do not propose the invidious task of singling from the 
noble group any name for special mention; for stars of the 
same brilliancy shine best in clusters. We refer, therefore, to 
the preceding pages for the names of some of the grandest 
patriots known to history. Not that they have ever been 
talked of in foreign courts ; not that their faces were often 
seen among the great and wise; not that they are mentioned 
in the volumes that commemorate the spirit of '76 ; but they 
were grand patriots because they did their duty bravely, con- 
tending even unto death for the freedom we enjoy. In a 
speech delivered a number of years ago by Hon. R. M. Crow- 



CONCLUSION. 293 

ell, well known to Woodbridge people, allusion is made to 
the sufferings ot our fathers during the trying years of that 
war, especially to the cruelties of the Sugar House and the 
Prison Ships. Speaking of these, he says : " Wc cannot form 
the least conception of the misery and wretchedness of those 
places. The prisoners were crowded together in the dark 
caverns of those dismal ships, almost deprived of air, covered 
w^ith vermin, surrounded with filth, and constantly gnawed by 
hunger. They were crowded among the sick, the dying, and 
the dead. From the Jersey prison ship alone it is computed 
that more than 11,000 prisoners paid the debt of nature," 

How different is the scene which our village presents to-day 
in comparison with that of the long ago which we have en- 
deavored to reproduce in these pages ! Taking our position on 
Strawberry Hill we glance over a picture which, rising sud- 
denly to the vision ot Judge Pike two hundred years ago, would 
have astonished him. Not that Woodbridge has grown so 
large, but that it has such a different population and has such 
new elements of growth. Below his whilom dwelling-place, 
just skirting the salt meadow, he would have seen the tossing 
smoke of the locomotive and the swiftly-passing train of dark 
red cars. The weather-beaten telegraph poles supporting the 
slender v/ires would have aroused his curiosity. Across the 
meadow he would have observed Plaillips' mill — a new object to 
him ; and nearer at hand Berry's fire-brick manufactory with its 
peculiar chimneys above the kilns. At the left he would liave 
seen the graceful spire of the elegant brick Methodist Church ; 
and much puzzled he would have been to understand the de- 
nominational status and tenets of Methodism, for in his day 
it was unknown — it was not even dreamed of. The white 
spire of the Presbyterian Church would have been a marvel 
to him, also; for he was accustomed to worship in the rude 
meeting-house, the history of which we have already given. 
The brick Episcopal Church would have attracted his atten- 
tion ; and so would the tall flag-staff in front of the Wood- 
bridge Hotel. Then the fine residences, so different from the 
plain, unpretending buildings of his day, would have made 
the good judge open his eyes in bewilderment and ask him- 
self, " Is this indeed Woodbridge, where I spent the years of 



294 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

my manhood?" It was a wilderness when Pike came to the 
settlement, and he would scarcely recognize at this time a 
familiar spot. The Sound, perhaps, would have been a remem- 
bered feature of the landscape ; but the creek, it is said, has 
undergone considerable change. The meadows, with their tall 
rushes and thin-bladed salt grass, doubtless present the same 
monotonous stretch of level green as they did in John Pike's 
time. The former magnate of Woodbridge would have seen, 
therefore, very little to remind him of the settlement where 
he won a name. The large fire-brick manufactories, the 
handsome brick Masonic Hall now in course of construction 
near the depot, the improved school buildings, the busy clay 
wagons passing and re passing all day long between the 
" Banks " and the boats, cars, or factories — these would have 
been new sights to him. 

If we could play Rip Van Winkle and open our eyes on the 
village two hundred years from now, doubtless we should see 
more wonderful changes than would have appeared to the 
view of John Pike if he had recently revisited his home of two 
centuries ago. Our town is near enough to New York to 
afford a home for the merchants of that city, and our traffic 
and manufactures are rising in importance every year. 
In the natural order of things, therefore, our destiny is one of 
steady ])rogress. Obstacles may prevent our development, 
such as the lack of public spirit among our leading men, a lax 
morality, anti-Christian influences, and a degenerate popula- 
tion. To some extent these opposing forces arc already among 
vis — especially the lax morality among our young people. 
We are not going to croak. We see many bright tints in our 
future sky. But we see little clouds there, too. May we not 
utter a word of warning before the storm comes and throws 
some noble bark upon the strand ? 

Growing up among us are manv fine-looking young men, 
strong, self-reliant, and ambitious. The late Avar for the Union 
despoiled many homes of the bravest and best, and our public 
gatherings were dreary enough for a while, we missed them 
so. Some of them returned, and glad we were to see them 
back again; but some sank to the grave on Southern fields, 
and unknown hands performed for them the hasty rites of 



CONCLUSION. 295 

burial. In the stillness of deserted wilds and far-away battle- 
grounds some of them rest to-day. Those were brave young 
men. Shall the generation which follows them be less so.'* 
They were animated by high and 'iioble purposes and per- 
formed heroic deeds — shall not this generation emulate their 
spirit .' The hope for the future is in our young people. Will 
they betray it .'' It is for them to decide. To love God and 
to do good constitute the noblest life that a man can hope for; 
and in sucli a life we invite the young people of Woodbridge 
to expend their powers, assuring them that it is the only one 
that brings no disappointment. 

Another hand before many years will doubtless find mate- 
rial enough in the yet unknf)wn and future history of the 
town to set it forth before the world. That such a record may 
contain honorable mention of many of our young men and 
young women is our earnest hope. But, better than any 
other record, may their names be written in the Book of Life. 

It has been said that a historian should not exhort or render 
an opinion as to the relation of the facts which he presents to 
his readers. If we are now A'iolating this canon it is in the 
interest of sound morality and the public welfare. The dissi- 
pation to which many of our young people are giving way 
evokes the darkest cloud in our future ; and as many young 
eyes may glance over these pages we cannot close without 
this gently-spoken warning: Beware of .ship-tvreck ! 

Not long since we were looking from the western window 
at a gorgeous spectacle. The beams of the setting sun shot 
upward in dazzling effulgence ; the stray clouds caught the 
light and arrayed themselves in its beauties. Imperceptibly 
the scene changed. The azure became a delicate cream color. 
Across this background, like floating isles, moved majestically 
the most beautiful golden clouds, shining so brightly in the 
rays of the already sunken sun that it wearied the eye to 
behold them Right above these were clouds that reveled in 
the most exquisite carmine, and so full was the sky of this 
brilliancy that a tint appeared to be thrown over everything 
around us. Like a celestial cascade the resplendent hues 
seemed to ripple down from the zenith to the fiir southern 
horizon. The whole west was in a glow ; and ruddy_with 



296 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

the reflected light, the neighboring windows shone in their 
borrowed beauty. We were reminded of the grand apostrophe 
of blind Ossian : 

"Oh, thou that rollest above, 
Kound as the shield of my fathers I — 
AVuence are thy beams, O Sun, 
Thy everlasting light V 
Thou comest iorth in thy awful beauty ; 
The stars hide themselves in the sky ; 
The moon, cold and pale, sinks in the western wave ; — 
But thou thyself movest alone ! 
Who can be a companion of thy course? 
The oaks of the mountains fall ; 
The mountains themselves decay with years; 
The ocean shrinks and grows again ; 
The moon herself is lost in heaven; 
But thou art forever the same. 
Rejoicing in the brightness ot thy course. 
When the world is dark with tempests, 
When thunder rolls and lightning flies, 
Thou lookest in thy beauty from the cloud 
And laughest at the storm. 
But to Ossian thou lookest in vain ; 
For he beholds thy beams no more, 
AVhether thy yellow hair flows on the eastern clouds, 
Or thou tremblest at the gates of the West. 
But thou art perhaps like me — for a season : 
Thy years will have an end. 
Thou shalt sleep in thy clouds 
Careless of the voice of the morning." 

Why may not your life be as full of grandeur as the sun 
and as glorious in its close as the decline of an October day ? 
Keep alive every patriotic emotion and worship the God of 
your fathers; and thus, if you never live in the hearts of your 
countrymen to the degree to which your ambition aspires, you 
may live in the memory of Him who hath caused it to be said 
that "the riglueous shall be in everlasting remembrance." 
Thus ordering your life, the setting sun will be a faint figure 
of the glory in reserve for you ; for the time will come when 
" the sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for bright- 
ness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall 
be unto thei- an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. 



CONCLUSION. 297 

Thy sxin shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon -with- 
draw itself; for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and 
the days of thy mourning shall be ended." 



APPEj^DIX. 



In the following pages we have presented some of tlie more important 
documents relating to the early liistory of Woodbridge. Besides these, will 
be found herein the lists of "Marriages, Deaths, etc.," contained in Libers 
A and B. These serve to throw a great deal of light on the genealogies of 
many families, affording a clue to s(nuo of them which, if closely pursued, 
will lead to valuable results. None of these papers have ever before been 
published, and in process of time they would doubtless be lost to liistory 
unless preserved in the printed page. They will be valuable for reference 
in time to come, as our readers will perceive. 



APPENDIX A. 



CHARTER GRANTED TO THE TOWNE OF WOODBRIDGE JUNE IST, 1669. 

This Deed Bearing date the first day of June in the year of our Lord 
1669 and in the 21st 3'ear of the Reigne of our Sovrn. Lord Charles by the 
Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King, defender of 
the Faith, etc. 

Witnesseth of the Charier Granted to the Towne and Freeholders of 
"VVoodbridge, in the province of New Cesarea or New Jersey bj' Capt. 
Phillip Carteret Esqr. Governor of the said Province and his Councell under 
the Right Ilonabl. John Lord Berkley Baron of Stratton and Sr. George 
Carteret Knight and Baronet the absolute Lords proprietors of the same, 
contayning the limits and bounds of the jurisdiction of the said Towne 
together with the immunities and privilidges thereunto belonging and 
appertaining as lollowelh : 

1st. Imprimis, the bounds of the aforesaid Towne of "VVoodbridge is to 
begin on the East Side from Arthur Cull Riv«r otherwise called tlie Sound, 
at the going in to Rawack River, and to go up the said River as hye as the 
tyde flows, to a fresh brook that runs West-north west, where there stands 
a beach tree that is marked on the four sides of it, from thence it extends 
upon a direct west line through a great Swamp and through two other small 
swamps till it comes to a walnut stake that is pitched upon the plaine 
marked with two notches and a crosse, which is from the said beach tree 
Five miles and a halfe ; From which stake it extends upon a South Lyne 
through another great Swamp Called Dismal to the Raratons River ; In 
length seaven miles and a halfe, Butting within tenn chains to the westward 
of two Red Clifts that stands on ye other side of the said River called 
turne about, which said lyne comes between tv.o black oakes that stands at 
the entering in of the meadows, within a Rod the one from the other, where 
a stake is planted betweenethem, which said oakcs are marked upon each of 
them -with three notches about brest hye, and u notch on all the fower 
sides of each of the said trees on the lower part of the stump neare the 
ground & a cross upon each tree above the uppermost notches. From 
■which said stake bctweene the two trees there is two stakes more pitch 
in the meadow answering to the bounds before mentioned on the other 
side of the aforesaid River, Being butted and bounded on the East side by 
the Arthur Cull River, otherwise called the Sound that parts Staten Island 
and the maine, On the North side by the bounds belonging to Elizabeth- 



APPKNDIX. 299 

towne ; on the west side by the bounds belonging to New Piscataway. 
And on the South side by the aforesaid Raratons River, as may more at 
large appeare by a draught made by the Surveyor Generall hereunto an- 
nexed. The whole said tract of upland & meadow being valewed 
and esteemed by the Surveyor Generall, Allowance being given for waist 
land and hye wayes to contaiue six miles square, which amounts to twenty 
three thousand and Fourty acres, English measure. 

Which said limits and bounds together with all rivers, ponds, creeks, 
Islands, Inlets, Bays, Fishing, Hawking, Hunting and all other appur- 
tenances whatsoever thereunto belonging, and appertayning, (The halfe 
part Golde and Sdver Mynes and the Royaltie of the Lords proprietors only 
excepted) to continue and remaiue within the jurisdiction, corporalicn or 
Township of the said towne of Woodbridge from tlie day of the date hereof 
and for ever ; they submitting themselves to the authority of the Lords 
proprietors and the government of the said provmce. To be holden by 
them, the said Corporation or Township their heirs and successors as of the 
manner of East Greenwich in free and common socage. 

2dly. The said Corporation or township called by the name of Wood- 
bridge shall consist of at least sixty families, and as many more as they shall 
think fitt, which Families shall be accounted as the associates and Free- 
holders of the aforesaid corporation or township, which said Freeholders, 
or the major part of them are equally to divide the aforesaid tract of 
upland and meadows among themselves by first, second and third lotts, or 
as the}' can otherwise agree upon. Provided that Amboy point be reserved 
to be disposed of by the Lords proprietors towards the thousand acres of 
upland and meadow, (ihat is reserved by the first articles made before the 
settling of the said townsnip) to their use, in Lieu of the seventh part 
mentioned in the Concessions. And when settled to pay all rates equal! 
with other plantations, which Land being so divided and agreed upon by 
all or the major part of the said Freeholders, the same is to be entered upon 
Record by the Secretary or Recorder Generall of the province, and also a 
Record thereof to be kept in the towne book of Records together with every 
particular man's name, of his allotment that he is to have; which beiug 
done, the Surveyor Generall is by warrant from the Governoi' to survey^ 
butt and bound every ]iarticnlar man's alotmont and to bring the same to 
remaine upon the file in the Secretarie's office, that recourse may be there- 
unto had on all occasions. And for the more securitie of every man's right, 
and the L(jrds proprietors interest, eveiy p.irticular man is hereby obliged 
to hold his Land by pattent from the Lords proprietors and to pay to them, 
their heirs, successors, or assigns, as acknowledgement, or hye Rent yearly, 
on every 25th day of March according to the English accompt, the sum of 
one halfe penny of good and Lawfull money of England, or the value 
thereof in good and current pay of the country, for every acre that shall be 
so pattented, which said payment is to begin on the 2.'3th day of March 1070 
and so to continue for ever. Which said rent is to be paid within the 
province, to the Receiver Generall without any charge to the Lords. 



300 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Always provided that iff tlic aforesaid Freeholders sh:di willtiilly neglect 
to pattent their proportions of Land as aforesaid, then it shall and may be 
lawful! for the said Lords proprietors, their heirs, successors, or assigns to 
dispose of the same as they shall think fit. As also ot all such proportions 
of land as shall remaine unpattented according to the aforesaid survey, 
unless the said corporation or township will answere the Rent as aforesaid 
and Dattent the same within three years from the day of the dale hereof. 
And that all Lands so surveyed, pattented and recorded as aforesaid is to 
Remaine to Ihein, th'.ir heirs. Executors administrators or assignes for ever, 
And after seven years in the possession the said land is not upon any pre- 
tence whatsoever to he resurveyed nor the bounds altered, but to remaine 
and continue according to tlie first survey for ever. And moreover that all 
bargains, sales and transports of land, house or houses from one man to 
another, And all leases for land, house or houses made or granted to any 
tenant for above the space of one yearc shall be acknowledged by the 
grantor before the Governor or Justice of peace, or by two sufficient wit- 
nesses attested on the, back side of the said Deeds or Leases and so to be 
recorded by the Secretary or Recorder Generall as aforesaid to avoid all Con- 
troversies in law ; for neglect whereof all such bargains, and sales, trans- 
ports or leases are to be vciid and of no etiect in Law. 

3dly. That the Freeholders aforesaid or the major part of them havG 
power to choose their owne Magistrates to be assistants to the president or 
Judge of the court, and for the ordering of all public affairs within the said 
jurisdiction, they have power to likewise to nominate their Justice or Justi- 
ces of peace and their Militarie officers, Provided that the Justices of the 
peace and Military officers are to be approved of, and Commissionated by 
the Governor. They have also power annually on the first day of January, 
or at any other sett tyme to clioose one or more Constables for the public 
service, all which said officers are to be Sworue in tlieir places and offices. 

4thly. That they have power b}' the pluralitie of voices of tlie Freeholders 
and freemen of the said corporation to choose their owne minister or minis- 
ters for the service of God and the administring of Flis Hoi}' Sacraments, 
and being so cho?en, inducted and admitted, all persons as well the Free- 
holders, as others the freemen and iniuibitants admitted in the said corpora- 
lion or towneship shall contribute accordmg to their estates for his main- 
tenance, towards which charge there shall be two hundred acres of good 
upland and meadow laid out, to the use and behoof of the said minister, and 
one hundred acres more for the maintenance of a free schoole, which said 
Land shall not be aliionated, but shall remaine from one incumbant to 
another fur ever. Wliicli said land together with the land for the building 
ofachurcli, cuurch-yard, school-house, market-place and the like shall be 
exempted from paying the Lord's Rent of a halfe penny jir. Acre, or any 
other rate or taxes whatsoever for ever. Nolwithst.indiiig it shall and may 
be Lawlull for any of the said Freeholders ami inhabitants aforesaid that 
arc of a difierent judgment in matters of Religion 1o maintaine any other 
minister or ministers at their own Cost and cliarges witliout being molested 
or distutbed for the same. 



APPENDIX. 301 

othly. Tbat the said cori:>orntion or towueship have power to erect and 
ordaine a Court of Judicature wilbin their owne jurisdiciion and the limits 
thereof for the tryall of all causes actionable betweene party and party from 
-whence there shall be no ajipeale, under the sum of five pounds starling 
And jilso for the tryall ol all Crimiualls and Causes of misdemeanor, and to 
intlict such lines (not exceedin.<^ the sum of tenn pounds) and punishments 
as the merit of the Cause shall rec[uire, as by imprisonment, stocking, pillor- 
ing, ducking, "whipping (not exceeding twenty stripes) and the Like. Which 
court is to consist o! a president (who is to be a Justice of the peace) and of 
the magistrates or any two of tluMu at the least, A Clarke and such other 
ofBcers as they shall appoint. Which said magistrates and Clark are to be 
sworne in their offices. And the Clarke is to be approved of by the 
Secretary Generall of the Province, whoe is to keep an exact Record of all 
actions that shall be brought in and tryed in the said Court, and to give an 
accompt thereof Unto him, when there unto required by the Governor and 
his Councell. No Freeholder is to be arrested or delayned a prisoner for 
debt, unless judgment be passed and execution granted, unless it can be 
made appeare that the party has an intent to defraud iiis creditors, by run- 
ning out of the Country. That all persons, as well Freeholders as other 
inhabitants, in case ot appeale, the appelant shall give in seourit}'- to 
prossocute his appeale or to stand to the judgement of the Court, All causes 
according to the laws of England shall be tryed by a jury of six or twelve 
men, And whomsoever shall trouble and molest his neighbour, being of the 
same corporation by aiTcsting of him and going to law in another jurisdic- 
tion shall be lyable to a fine according to the discretion of the Court. The 
Justice or Justices of the peace bemg commissionated and sworne, in their 
office have power to administer the oath of allegience and fidelity and all 
other oaths that are required according to Law. And to ishue out in his 
maj'ties name, or in whose name or names it shall or maj' be appointed by 
the Laws, their Avarrants of summons and arrest within the Limitts and 
jurisdiction of the said Corporation or towneship. Directing the same to 
the Constable, Marshall or to what other officer or officers the said Corpora- 
tion shall in their discretion think fitt to appoint for that service ; who are 
to put the same in execution accordingly. And ako to ishue out their 
w'arrants lor the apprehending of all malefactors and Runaways and to 
prossecute them by way of Hew and Cry. And to do all such thing and 
things by their autiiorUy agreealjle to Law and justice as may conduce to 
the peace and well-government of the said Corporation or towneship. 
Provided that all fines are to be disposed of for charitable or public uses. 

Glhly. That in matters of Religion and the worship of God there is 
liberty of Conscience granted to all persons as well to the Freeholders as to 
all others that are or shall be admitted inhabitants within the said Corpora- 
tion or Towneship, they taking or subscribing to tbe oath of alegiance to 
the King, and Fidelity to the Lords proprietors. And that no person 
■whatsoever shall be molested, injured or troubled lor his or her diS'erence 
in opinion in matters of Religion. Provided that this liberty granted shall 



302 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

not extend to Licentiousness nor to the disturbance of others atul the 
public peace. 

7thly. That the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the said Corporation or 
Towneship, shall have a free trade allowed them, and that no tax of Custome 
excise or any other imposition whatsoever shall be imposed on them but 
such, as shall be levied by the Governor Councell and Generall Assembly 
for the maintenance of the Government and for the defraying of the public 
Charge. 

8thly. That in case of invasion or insurrection by ye Indians, or others, 
they are mutually to joine with all other townes and plantations within the 
said province for the defence and safty of the same. But no warr to be 
levied without the consent of the Governor, Councell, and Generall 
Assembly, 

9thly. That the Freeholders aforesaid, or the major part of them, are, 
upon the Governors summons to make choice of two deputies to joyne with 
the Generall Assembly, f®r the making of Laws ik, carrying on the public 
affairs of the whole province. 

lOthly. The Freeholders and inhabitants aforesaid are to submit them- 
selves to the Laws and government of this province, and to sware or sub- 
scribe to the oath of allegiance to the King and fidelity to the Lords Pro- 
prietors, their heirs, and successors ; and in case they or any of them have 
a desire to remove and transplant themselves to any other place, they have 
liberty so to do, and to dispose of their lands and estates to their best 
advantage. 

llthly. And lastly. It is here to be understood that the major part of the 
said Freeholders have power to admit ot their owne inhabitants, (excepting 
the land belonging to the Lords proprietors) and to order and carry on all 
other affairs as may be for the good, advantage, and well-governing of the 
said Corporation or towneship. Provided that all things be done according 
to equity and justice, and the laws of the province. 

Whereas it is said in the second article provided that Amboy point be 
reserved towards the thousand acres of upland and meadow that is 
reserved to be disposed of by the Lords proprietors, (in lieu of the seventh 
part mentioned in the concessions) It is to be understood and agreed upon 
to and with the said Freeholders that the nyne hundred acres of upland is 
to be in and about Amboy point, as it is now surveyed by the Survej'or 
Generall ; And for the hundred acres of meadow is to be laid out by the 
said Surveyor in the most Convenients place nearest, adjacent to the said 
Amboy Point. In Confirmation of all the aforesaid demised premisses, we 
the Governor and Councell aforesaid have hereunto subscribed and fixed 
the Scale of the Province, the day and yeare first above written. 

Ph: Carterett. 

Ja Bollen 

Robert Vanquellia 

William Pardon 

Robert Bond 

Nicolas VerLett 

Samuel Edsall 



APPENDIX B. 



CHARTEU OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

On the back of the Charter are these words : 

" Let the Great Seal of the Provhice be hereunto affixed. 

To Uie Secretary of J. j Belcher." 
New Jersey, ) 

The full text of this document is as follows : 

GEORGE THE SECOND BY THE GRACE OF GOD OF GREA.T 

BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND KING, DEFENDER OF THE 

FAITH, TO ALL TO WilOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 

GREETING. Whereas the advancement of true Religion and virtue is 

absolutely necess;iry for ths promotion of peace order and prosperity of the 

State, and Whereas it is the Duty of all Christian Princes & Governors by 

the Love of God to do all they can for the Encouragement thereof. And 

Whereas Sundry of our Loving Subjects of the Presbyteiian Persuasion 

Inhabitants of and about the Township of Woodbridge, within our Colony 

of New Jersey bj' their Humble Petition Presented to our trusty and well 

beloved Jonathan Belcher Esquire, our Captain General and Commander 

in Chief of our Province of New Jersey, and Vice Admiral in the Same 

Shewing that the Petitions and others of the same Persuation Inhcbitants in 

and about the Township of Woodbridge aforesaid Do make up a very large 

and considerable Congregation. That the most advantageous Support of 

Religion among them necessarily requires that some Persons should be 

incorporated as Trustees for the community that they may take Grants of 

Lands and Chatties thereby to enable the Petitioners to erect and repair 

Publick Buildings for the worship of God and the use of the Ministry and 

School-houses and Alms Houses and Suitably to Support the Ministry and 

the Poor of their Church and to do and perform other acts of Piety 

and Charity and that the Same Trustees may have power to Lett and 

grant the Same under a Publick seal for the uses aforesaid and that the same 

Trustees may Plead and be impleaded in any suit touching the Premises 

and have perpetual succession, that as the known Loyalty of the Petitioners 

and the Presbyterians in General to us their firm affection to ©ur Persou 

and Government, and the Protestant Succession in our Royal House gave 

the Petitioners hopes of all Reasonable Indulgeance and Favour within the 

Same Colony where the Religious rites of Mankind are so happily Preserved, 

and where our cquil Grace and Bounty to all our Protestant faithful 



304 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINirv. 

subjects however ditterin.o- in opinion about lessor matters lias hither to been 
so sensibly felt and enjoyed the said Petitiouers therefore most humbly 
prayed our Grant of an incorporation to the Petitioners by the Name of the 
Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in tbe township of Woodbridge 
with all such powers Capacities and Priviliges as might be afiectual in Law 
for the purposes aforesaid and that Richard Cutter, Edward Crowel, William 
Heard, David DonMm, George Brown, John Moores and Mosen Bloomfielcl 
might be the first Trustees which Petition signed with the Names of a 
Oreat Number of our faithful and Jjoving Subjects Inliabilants in and about 
the said town, we being willing to grant, Know Ye tliat we of our Special 
Grace certain knowledge and meer motion have willed and ordained con- 
stituted given and Granted, and for us our Heirs and successors by these 
Presents Do will ordain Constitute give and Grant that Richard Cjtter, 
Edward Crowel, William Heard, David Donham, George Brown, John 
Moores and Moses Bloomfield from hence forth and their successors forever 
hereafter shall be and remain one Body Polelick and Corporate in Deed fact 
and Name, by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Cluirch in 
the township of Woodbridge and tliem and their successors by the Name of 
the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Township of "Wood- 
bridge, one Body Corporate and Politick in Deed Fact and Name, realy and 
Trully We do for us our Heiis and successors erect make ordain constitute 
declare and create by these Presents, And by that Name they Shall and 
may have Perpetual Succession. And also that they and their successors 
by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Town- 
ship of Woodbridge, be and forever hereafter shall be Persons able in Law 
to Purchase take hold Receive and enjoy any Messuages, Houses, Buildings, 
Lands, Tenements, Rents, Assigns and other Hereditaments and Real 
Estate in fee Simple or otherwise, so as the yearly clear Value of the Sum 
does not Exceed the sum of Two Hundred pounds Sterling the Statute of 
MoBTMAiN, any other Law to the Contrary not withstanding and Also 
Goods Chatties and all other things of what kind or Quality soever. And 
also that they and their Successors by the Name of the Trustees of the first 
Presbyterian Chu.ch in the Township of Woodbridge shall and may Give 
Grant and demise assign Sell or otherwise dispose of all or any of their 
Messaages, Houses, Lands, Tenements, Rents, Possessions and other 
Hereditaments and Real Estate and all their Goods Chatties and other 
things aforesaid as to them shall seem meet And also that they, and their 
Successors by the name of the IVusteen of the first Presbyterian Church in 
the township of Wi)odbridge be and forever hereafter shall be persons able 
in Law capable to sue and be sued, implead or l!e im]>leaded, answer or be 
answered, defend or be defended in idl courts of judicature whatsoever. 
And also that the said Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in the 
Township of Woodbridge for the time being and their Successors shall and 
may forever hereafter have and use a common Seal with such device or 
devices as they shall think proper for Sealing all and singular Deeds, Grants, 
•Conveyances, Contracts, Bonds, Articles of Agreement, Assignments, 



APPENDIX. 305 

Powers, Autliorilies, and all Singular their affairs and things touching or 
concerning the said Corporation; Ani Also that the said Trustees and their 
Buccessors (orever may as oft as th'iy see fit break, change, and new make 
the Same or any other their Common Seal ; And Further, We do of our 
special Grace, certain knowledge & meer Motion for us our Heirs and Suc- 
cessors by these Presents, will, ordain, constitute, give and Grant, that upon 
any Vacancy among the Trustees of the said first Presbyterian Church iu 
the Township of Woodbri Ige by Death, Removal, or other Incapacity 
whatsoever that the Minister or Ministers Elders and Deacons for the time 
being of the said first Presbyterian Church iu tlis Township of Woodbridge, 
Shall and may meet together at the Town ot Woodbridge, aforesaid, and 
then and there elect and choose such Person or Persons out of the Congre- 
gation of the said Church, as they think Proper to Supply the Vacancy of 
such Trustee, or Trustees, cause by Death, Removal, or other Incapacity as 
aforesaid. And also that at any and at all times whatsoever when the 
Said Minister or Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Church aforesaid or 
the majority of them for the time being, shall and do Judge it proper & for 
the Benefit of the Said Corporation that any Trustee or Trustees Should be 
Removed & Displaced from his, or their office of Trustee, that then and in 
such case, the said Minister or Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Said 
Church, or the majority of them fcr the time being, shall and may meet 
together at the Town of Woodbridge aforesaid and are hereby Sufficiently 
authorized then and there to Displace and remove from the office of 
Trustee any such Trustee or Trustees, And in their Room and stead to elect 
and choose out of the Congregation of said church, any Person or Persons 
to supply the place or places of such Trustee or Trustees So Displaced and 
Removed. Provided, always that the Number of the Said Trustees 
exceed not Seven, & every Trustee so elected and appointed as aforesaid, 
Shall by virtue of these Presents, and of such election & appointment be 
vested with all the Powers and Priviledges which any of the other Trustees 
has, or Las had. And we do further will and ordain. Give and Grant that 
the Trustees of the Said fir^t Presbyterian Church in the Township of 
Woodbridge and their successors for the time being, shall from time to 
time, have Power to choose their President out of the Trustees for the time 
being, who shall have the Custody of the Public Seal of the said Corpora- 
tion, and all the books Charters, Deeds, and Writings, anyways belonging 
tj the said Corporation and shall have Power from time to time and at all 
times hereafter as occasion shall require to call meetings of the said 
Trustees at Town of Woodbridge aforesaid for the execution of all or of any 
of the Powers hereby given and Granted. And in case of Sickness, Absence 
or Death of the President, all the Powers by these presents Granted to the 
President shall be and remain in the Eldest Trustee upon Record, until the 
recovery or return of the President, or until a new President be chosen as 
aforesaid, And we do further, will, ordain, give and Grant, that all and 
every Act, and Order of Five of the Said Trustees (but not of any lesser 
number) consented & agreed to at such meeting of the Trustees aforesaid 



3o6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

ehall be good, valid, and eflectual to all inteuts and purposes, as if Ihc 
whole number of the said Trustees had consented and agreed thereto. And 
WE do further will and ordain that all the acts of the said Trustees shall from 
time to time be fairly entered in a book or books to be kept for that purpose 
by the President of the Trustees for the time being, which Book or Books, 
together with the Seal of the said Corporation and all the Charters, Deeds, 
and Writings whatsoever belonging anyways to the said Corporation, shall 
be delivered over by the former President, to the President of the Said 
Trustees newly Elected for the time being as Such President shall hereafter 
from time to time Successively be Chosen. Ami Lastly We do of our 
Special Grace certain knowledge and meer Motion for us, our Heirs and 
Successors by these Presents, Give and Grant uuto the said Trustees of the 
first Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge and their Suc- 
cessors forever that these our Letters Patent or the Enrollment thereof 
Shall be good and Effectual in the Law to all Intents and Purposes against 
us our Heirs and Successors without any other Licence, Grant or Contirma- 
tioQ from Us our Heirs and Successors hereafter by Said Trustees of the 
first Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge, to be had or 
obtained, notwithstanding the not Reciting or mis-reciting or not Naming 
or mis-naming of the aforesaid officers Franchises Previledges immunites 
or other the Premises or any of them and notwithstanding a Writ of " Ad 
Quod Damnum" hath not issued forth to enquire of the Premises or any of 
them before the Ensealing hereof any Statute act ordinance or Provision or 
any other matter or thing to the Contrary, Notwithstanding 7b have Hold & 
enjoy all and Singular the Previledges Advantages Liberties Immunities and 
all other the Premises, herein and hereby Granted and Given or which are 
meant. Mentioned or intended to be herein-given and Granted Unto them 
the said Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Township of 
Woodbridge and to their Successors forever. lit, lestimony whereof we 
have caused these our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of our 
Said Province of New Jersey to be here unto affixed. Witness our Trusty 
and well beloved Jonathan Belcher Esquire Governor & Commander in 
Chief of said Province of New Jersey this eighth Day of September in the 
Thirtieth year of our Reign, and in the year of our Lord one Thousand 
Seven Hundred and Fifty-six &c Charles Read Secretary 

I have perused the above Charter & find nothing therein contained Incon- 
eistcnt with His Majesty's Honour. Courl'd Skinner Atty. Genl. 

[L. S] 

The above Charter is Recorded in the Secretary's office at Perth Amboy 
in Book C. 3 of Commissions Charters &c Page 5 «S:c and examined by 

Bowes Reed, P. Sec'y, 



APPENDIX C. 



CHARTER OP THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. A A-ERBATI>[ ET LITERATIM COPT, 

Gfeorge The Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and 
Ireland, King Defender of the Faith &c: To all to whom these presents 
Bhall come Greeting Whereas, Sundry of our loving Subjects Inhabitants of 
the Town of Woodbridge in the County of Middlesex in behalf ot them- 
selves and others have by their humble petition to our trusty and well 
beloved William Franklin Esquire our Captain General Governor and Com- 
mander-in-chief of our Province ot New Jersey set forth that they have 
erected a church in our town of Woodbridge aforesaid for preaching the 
Word of God, and administering the holy sacraments according to the 
doctrine and liturgy of the Church of England and have therefore prayed to 
be incorporated by the name of the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry 
of Trinity Church in Woodbridge with lull power to receive gifts and dona- 
tions to purchase land and houses and to make leases and such rules and 
orders for the disposal ot their church affairs as shall be agreeable to the 
laws and customs of our Kingdom of Great Britain. Know ye, therefore, 
that we, willing to give all due encouragement to the professors of the 
Church as by law established in that part of Great Britain, called England ; 
of our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have willed', 
ordained, constituted, given and granted and for us, our heirs, and succes- 
sors do will, ordain, constitute, give and grant that the Rev. Mr. John 
Preston, the present incumbent, Samuel Jaques and Samuel Tino-ley the 
present Church Wardens, David Alston Esq, Thomas Ha dd en ,° Joseph 
Donham and Ebenczer Forster the present vestrymen of said church and 
their successors forever hereafter shall be one body politic and corporate in 
deed and in name by the name of the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry- 
men of Trinity Church in the Town of Woodbridge and they and their suc- 
cessors by the name of the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry-men ia 
the town of Woodbridge one body politic and corporate in deed and ia 
name really and fully we do by these presents for us our heirs and succes- 
sors elect, ordain constitute declare and create ; and also that they and tbeir 
successors elected and chosen as hereinafter directed by the name aforesaid 
be and forever hereafter shall be capable and able in the law to hold pos- 
sess, sue for, recover and enjoy any lands hereditaments or real estate 
already granted or set apart for a glebe to the said church in the said towu 
of Woodbridge upon the first settlement thereof or at any time since and to 
have, take, receive and enjoy to them and their successors other messages 



3o8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

lands, tenements, rents, possessions and other hereditaments in fee simple 
or for life or lives or years or in any other manner to the value of five hun- 
dred pounds sterling by the year and also g<)ods, chattels, and all other 
things of what kind or nature soever in fee and perpetuity so as the same 
exceed not at any time the sum of ten thousand pounds sterling, money of 
(Jreat Britain in the gross, and that tliey and their successors by the name 
aforesaid be and forever hereafter shall be persons able and capable in the 
law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded answer and be answered 
unto defend and be defended in all courts and places before us our heirs and 
successors and before all and any the judges and justices, officers and minis- 
ters of us our heirs and successors in all and all manner of actions, suits, 
complaints, pleas, causes, matters and demands of what nature or kind 
soever in as full and ample manner as any other our subjects can or may 
do : and also that the said minister, church wardens, and vestry-men of Trin- 
ity Church in the town of Woodbridge for the time being aud their succes- 
sors shall and may forever hereafter h;i.ve and use a Common seal with 
such device or devices as they sliall think proper for sealing all and singular 
deeds, leases, grants. Conveyances, Contracts and all aud singuhir other 
instruments, affairs aud business snyway touching coHcerning and relating 
to the said Corporation and the same to alter, change and new make when 
and as often as to them shall seem meet and convenient. And we do 
further of our especial grace Certain knowledge and mere motion for us our 
heirs and successors will, ordain, give and grant to the minister or incumbent 
of the said Cuurcli for the time being or in Case of his absence or death that 
the eldest church warden for the time being, shall and may from time to 
time Call a meeting of the vestry when as often as it shall be necessary and 
they and their successors forever hereafter being so met and assembled shall 
and may constitute ordain and m ike constitutions laws and ordinances for 
the good of governing and ordering of the affairs of the said Church, and 
the same from time to time repeal as to them or the majority of them, shall 
seem convenient, provided always, that the said laws and ordinances so 
made be not repugnant to the Constitutions of our said Church of England 
as by law established ; and for the better and more regular election of the 
church-wardens and vestry-men of tbe said church forever hereafter. We 
do hereby further Will, ordain, give and grant that the minister or incum- 
bent of the said church for the time being together with the church-wardens 
and vestry-men of said church for the time being shall assemble and meet 
at the said church yearly and every year on Tuesday in Easter week and 
then and there by plurality of votes elect and choose two church-wardeiw 
and so many vestry-men as shall to them seem convenient not exceeding ten 
in the whole out of the most discreet persons of the congregation of the said 
church. And we do further of our especial grace, certain knowledge and 
mere motion for us, our heirs and successors, by these presents give and 
grant unto the said Minister church-wardens and vestry-men of Trinity 
Church in the town of Woodbridge that they and their successors forever 
hereafter, all aud singular the rights, privileges, powers, capacities aud 



APPENDIX. 309 

authorities lieiein before mentioned or intended to be granted shall and ma^- 
have, hold and use without the impeiiiment of us, our heirs and successors 
or of any of our officers or ministers whatsoever of us, our lieirs and successors. 
A.nd that these our letters patent or the enrollment thereof from time to 
time and at all times hereafter be and shall be firm, valid and effectual in 
the law toward and against us, our heirs and successors according to the 
true intent and meaning hereof and shall at all limes be construed and taken 
in favor and for the advantage profit and benefit of the minister, church 
wardens and vestry-men of Trinity Church in the town of Woodbridge and 
their successors forever as well in all courts as elsewhere notwithstanding 
any defect, default or imperfection may be found herein or any other cause 
or thing whatsoever in iestt7nony whereof vfe have caused these our letters to 
be made patent and the great Seal of our said province of New Jersey to be 
hereunto affixed and the same to be entered of record in our Secretary's 
office in our said province. Wii?iess our trusty and well beloved William 
Franklin esquire, our Captain General, Governor and Commander in Chief 
in and over our said province of New Jersey and territories thereon depend- 
ing in America Chancellor and Vice Admiral in the same &c : at Burlington 
the sixth day of December in the tenth year of our reign. Anna Domini 
One thousand seven hundred and sixty nine. Pettit. 

[Seal.] 

I have perused the within Charter and find nothing therein contained 
inconsistent with his Majesty's Honor or Interest. 

5 Deer : 1760 Corf Skinner 

Att'v General. 



APPENDIX D. 



Date, 



CHAPTER OF THE FREE SCHOOL LAND IN WOODBKIDGE. VERBATIM ET 

LITER A.TIM. 

George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France 
and Ireland King defender of the faith &c. To all to whom 
these presents shall come Greeting. Whereas in and by a 
Charter bearing date the first day of June in the year of our 
liord one thousand six hundred and sixty nine Granted by 
Phillip Carteret then Governor of the Province of New Jersey 
under the Right Honorable John Lord Berkely Barron of 
Stratton and Sir George Carterett Ivnight and Barronet the 
then proprietors of the Province of New Jersey to the Town 
and Freeholders oi Woodbridge among other things it is 
100 Acres, therein directed, that one hundred acres of land in the said 
Town should be laid out for the maintenance of a free school. 
And whereas the Freeholders of the town of woodbridge by 
their humble petition presented to our Trusty and well beloved 
Charter grant- William Franklici Esqr. Captain General Governor and Com- 
ed by William mander in Chief in and over our province of New Jersey, have 
Set forth that in pursuance of the CUarter granted as aforesaid 
by the said Philip Carterett Esqr one hundred acres of land 
hath been laid out for the use of a free School and the rents 
thereof received by such uersons as the Freeholders of the said 
Town at their yearly meetings have from time to time appointed 
with intention to make a Cai)it:il for the building a School 
house or houses and the maintainance of proper and able 
teachers; But that from the want of a proper Charter of incor- 
poration the Said Freeholders find themselves unable and 
without authority properly to settle the accounts with such 
persons as have from lime to time been appointed to receive 
the rents and issues of the Said one hundred acres of land or to 
prosecute such persons as from time to time have committed 
waste and trespass on tlie Same or to build a School house or 
to make provision for the maintainance of proper masters and 
Teachers and to make and ordain proper laws and instructions 
for the good governing of the Said Schools and have therefore 
prayed our Letters Patent under our Great Seal of our said 
province of New Jersey to incorporate tiie said freeholders of 



APPKNDIX. 311 

the Town of Woodbridge with such Powers, immuiulies, 
priveledges and jurisdictions as maybe thought requisite and 
necessary for the more effectual promoting and the better 
ordering and governing the said school or schools in the said 
Town of Woodbridge. Know ye therefore the We willing 
and desirous to encourage our dutiful and loyal subjects, the 
freeholders of the s lid Town of Woodbridge in tlieir good in- 
tentions, of our special grace certain knowledge and mere 
motion have named constituted and appointed and by these 
presents do nime constitute and appoint John Moores, and 

First Trustflafl 

Nathaniel Heird Esqrs Mises Bloomfield, Benjamin Tborn- 

hill, Ebenezer Foster, Joseph Shot well, and Robert Clarkson, 

the present Trustees of the fiee school in the said Town 

of Woodbridge wliich s lid Trustees and their successors now 

are anl at aU timis hBreafter shall be one b xly politic and fui'^co^por^te. 

corp:)rate and shall' a-id miy have perpstu d succession in deed 

fact an I name to be kuown and distinguished in all deeds, 

grants birgain^ sales evidences, writings muniments or otlier 

wise whatsoever by the name of "The Trustees of the Free ^.,, , 

■' Title 

Schools of the Town of Woodbridge" and that they and their 

succes'sors by the sa:ne name of the Trustees of the free schools 

of the Town of Woodbridge be and forever hereafter shall be 

persons capible and able in the law to purchase take acquire 

hold receive enjoy hive anl possess any manors mess'iages, hou*^ real and 

h )u?e3 baildiugs, Ian Is, ten jm ^nts, rents, possessions, and other P^^onai estate 

hereditaments, anl real Estate whatsoever, within our said 

province Oi New Jersey, in fee simple or for term of life 

or lives, or years, or in any other manual whatsoever to th« 

Value of five hun '.red pounds sterling by tiie year, in the cle xr, Real Estate 

and also goods and chatties an 1 all other things of what nature ^'''^'^ sterUug 

and kind soever not exceeding t\ie sum of t'-'n thousand pounds „ ^ 

. ■■ , , Not exceeding 

sterung m the gross, and also by name aforesaid sliall and £io,ooo ster- 
may grant barg an demise assign sell and convey or otherwise "^" 
dispose of all or any of the m innors, Messuages, houses, build- 
ings, lands, tenements, rents, possessions and other heredita- 
ments, and real Estate, and all their goods and chatties and 
other things aforesaid in such manner and form as to them 
shall seem meet and also that they and their Successors by the 
same name of the Trustees of the free Schools of the Town of 
Woodbridge be and forever hereafter Shall be persons capable 
and able in law to Sue and be Sued implead and be imp'eaded 
appear answer and be answered unto defend and be defended 
in any of our Courts of Judicature either in law or Equity in 
our Said province of New Jersey or elsewhere before us our 
heirs and Successors and before all and every the Judges 
Justices officers an 1 ministers of us our heirs and Successors in 



3'2 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

all manner of actions Suits complaints pleas matters and 
demands whatsoever and of what nature or kind soever and 
also that they and their Successors by the name aforesaid Shall 
and may demand receive and take of and from the persons 
heretofore appointed by the freeholders of the Town of Wood- 
bridge all Such Sum and Sums of Money by them received 
and arising and issuing out of the one hundred acres of land 
aforesaid and upon non payment thereof by the name aforesaid 
to Sue for and recover the Same for the use of the Schools 
May make and ^^oresaid. And also that they the Said Trustees of the free 
use a seal. Schools of the Town of Woodbridge aforesaid and their 
Successors Shall and may make and forever hereafter use one 
common Seal with Such device and devices as to them Shall 
.Seem proper for the Sealing all and singular Deeds Grants 
conveyances contracts and all and Singular other instruments 
affairs and business any way touching concerninaj and relating 
to the Said free Schools and also that they the Said Trustees of 
the free Schools of the Town of Woodbridge and the majority 
of them Shall and may from time to time make constitute 
ordain and confirm by Such name or names as to them Shall 
Seem good and likewise to revoke discharge change and alter 
as well all and Singular Governors, Masters, Teachers or other 
officers wliich Shall be by them or the majority of them, 
thought fitt and needfull to be made or used for the govern- 
ment of the Said free Schools, and also to make ordain and 
establish all such orders laws directions instructions and forms 
May make or- fit and necessary for and concerning the government of the 
&?\or"«;iioolB ^^^^ Schools and the same at all times hereafter to execute 
abbrogate revoke or change as they or the Majority of them 
Shall think fittest for the benefit and advantage of the Said 
Schools and wee have given and granted and by these presents 
do give and grant for us our lieirs and Successors to the free 
holders of the Town of Woodbridge full power and authority 
to assemble and meet together on the first Tuesday in March 
annually at the usual and accustomed place for holding the 
Town meetings or at Such other place as they shall think 
Com.to inspect proper and then and there by plurality of Voices to appoint 
accountB of g^ch and So many persons as they or the major part of them 

Trust ccB "^ *■ ** 

Shall think proper to inspect the accounts orders minutes and 

transactions of the Said Trustees or their Successors. And in 

ase of the death refusal or disability of either or any of the 

Said Trustees or they or any of them ceasing to be freeholders 

of the Said Town of Woodbridge or resigning the Trust in 

incaseof death them reposed then and in Such case we for us our heirs and 

cj^how filled^" Successors will grant and ordain that other fit person or 

persons Freeholders of the Said Town of Woodbridge be by 



APPENDIX. 313 

the Said Freeholders of the Said Township of Woodbridge or 
the majority of them nominated elected and chosen in the place 
and Stead ol him or them so dying refusing or otherwise dis- 
abled as aforesaid. And further we have given and granted 
and by these presents do give and grant to the Said freeholders 
of our Said Town of Woodbridge full power and authority to 
assemble and meet together once in three years but not oftener 'VNiien to meet 

to 6l6ct TruS" 

on the first Tuesday in ]\tarch at the usual and accustomed tees. 
place for holding of the Town Meetings or at Such other place 
as the majority of them Shall from time to time appoint and 
then and there by plurality of voices alter change or continue 
all or any of the Said Trustees now appointed or that shall 
hereafter be appointed elected or chosen by virtue of these 
presents to have and to hold all and Singular the privileges 
advantages liberties and all other the premises to them the 
Said Trustees of the Iree Schools of the Town of Woodbridge Charter to con- 
and their Successors forever yielding rendering and paying 
therefor yearly and every j'ear forever hereafter unto us our 
heirs and Successors at Pertb Amboy in the County of Middle- 
sex unto our receiver General of the Said province on the 
Twenty fifth of March one barley corn if the Same be legally 
demanded. And lastly our will and pleasure is that these our 
letters patent Shall be of full force and efficacy to all intents 
and purposes whatsoever as above mentioned expressed and 
declared and that the Same or the enrollment thereof Shall in 
all courts of law and Equity forever hereafter be construed and comts of Law 
taken most favorably and beneficially for the Trustees of the ^^^ Equity. 
free Schools of our Town of Woodbridge according to our 
royal intention herein before declared not withstanding that 
any writ or writs_of ad quod damnum hath or have not issued 
or is or are not returned before the making these presents. 
And notwithstanding the not reciting misreciting or not rightly 
or certainly reciting the Said rights privileges powers authori- 
ties or any other the premises in and by these presents granted 
or meatt mentioned or intended to be granted or any part or 
parcel thereof. In testimony whereof we have caused these our 
Letters to be made patent and the Great Seal of our Said 
Province of New Jersey to be hereto affixed. 

. — ■' — ^'— ' — - Witness our trusty and well beloved Wil- 
i Great i ^^'^"^ Franklin Esq our Captain General and 
^ Seal of the ' Governor in Chief in and over our province 
\ Province ^ °^ ^^^ Jersey and Territories thereon de- 
( ■ ) pending in America Chancellor and Vice Ad- 

-— -, — ^- — . — miral in the Same &c. At our City of Bur- 
lington the Twenty fourth day of June in the ninth year of our 
reign Anno Domini 1769 



314 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Brought to the office to be recorded June 13th 1803 and 
recorded the 14th following. 
Examined and agrees with the original 

John Beatty Secy 
Liber A. V. Deeds folio 136 

Secretary of States office 



APPENDIX E. 



RdCORD OK MAURtAGES, BIRTHS, AND DEATHS, TRANSCRIBED MTERALLT 

FROM LIBER A. 

This valuable list will enable our readers to trace several family histories 
and glean many local genealogical facts. 

A. 

Obediah Ayers Son of Obediah Ayers and Hannah his wife was Born ye 
20th Octr. 1071. 

Joseph Ayers Son Obediah Ayers Born ye 4th of April 1674. 

John Adams Son to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Bora ye 9th of 
June 1674. 

Joseph Andrus Son to Ephraim Andrus and Dorcas his wife Born ye 23d 
Day of Novr. 1673. 

Siizanah Andrus Daughter to Ephraim Andrus and Dorcas his wife Bora 
the 10th of January 1675. 

Hannah Adams Daughter to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Bom 
1676. 

Joseph Adams Son to Thomas Adams and Rebeckah his wife Born ye 
27th of January 1676. 

Thomas Ayers Son to Obediah Ayers and Hannah his wife Bom ye 17th 
Day of December. 

Elizabeth Adams Daughter to Thomas Adams and Rebeckah his wile 
Born March ye 2nd 1678. 

John Ayers Son of John A^'ers and JLiry his wife Bora ye 1st of April 
1693. 

Thomas Ayers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife Born ye 21st of Jan- 
uary 1692. 

Ephraim Andreus Son of Ephraim Andreus and Dorcas his wife Born 1678. 

These May Certify all persons Concerned that Obediah Ayers was Married 
to Joanna Jones. April ye 28th 1694. By Me Samuel Hale. 

John Allen Son of John Allen and Susanah his wife Born Feby ye 5th. 
1683. 

Sarah Allen Daughter of John Allen and Jane his wife Born Fcby ye 5th 
1089. 

Elizabeth Allen Daughter of John Allen and Jane his wife Born January 
ye 15th 1691. 

Mary Allen Daughter of John Allen and Jane his wife born January ye 
1st 1693. 



3^6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

John Adams and Elizabeth Married June ye 1st 1671. 

Ephraim Andreus and Dorcas Smith Married ye 16th day of November . 
1671. 

William Alger and Rebeckah Avirit was Married ye 13th day of March 
1684. 

Woodbridge, these May Certify all persons that John Ayers was Married 
to Maiy Walker February ye 24th 1689. Samuel Hale, 

Hannah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife Born Jan- 
uary ye 18th 1694. 

Henry Alward was Married to JuJith Hendrickson January ye 26th 1693. 

By me David Maudie — Justice. 

Suzanah Andreus Daughter to Ephraim Andreus and Dorcas his wife 
Departed this Life February ye 4th 1675. 

John Adams Son to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Departed this 
Life March 25th 1676. 

Hannah Adams Daughter to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Departed 
this Life February 17th 1677. 

John Adams Son to John Adams and Elizabeth his wile Deceased ye 31st 
January 1680. 

Thomas Ayers Son of Obediah Ayers and'Hanaah his wife Deceased ye 
13th October 1675. 

Sarah Ayers Daughter to Obediah Ayers and Hannah his wife Deceased 
ye 8th day of Novr 1683. 

Hannah Ayers wife to Obediah Ayers Deceased the 30th of May 1689. 

Obediah Ayers Deceased November ye 14th 1694. 

Sarah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanna his wife Born Janu- 
ary ye 8th 1696. 

John Alward Son of Henry Alward and Judeth his wife Born March ye 
29th 1697. 

Mary Ayers Daughter to Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife Born 
Feby ye 23d 1698. 

Francis Ayei's Son ot John Ayers and Mary his wife was Born March ye 
15th 1698. 

Rhoda Ayers Daughter of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born April 12th 1700. 

David Ayers Son ol Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born May 
ye 25th 1702. 

Phebe Ayers Daughter of Joseph Ayers and Phcbe his wife was born 
March ye 3d 1699. 

Joseph Ayers Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe his wife was Born March 
ye 10th 1701. 

These May Certify all persons that Joseph Ayers was married to Phebe 
Camp January ye 5th 1098. 

Francis Ayers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife Born March ye 15th 
1698. 



APPENDIX. 



3n 



Benjamiu Avers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife Born June ye lOtli 
1703. 

Dorothy Alstone Daughter of John Alstone and Mary his wife was Bora 
May ye 7tli about 4 in ye Moruiug in the year 1698. 

Mary Alstone Daughter of John Alstone and 3I:iry his wife was Bora 
Octr ye 17th 1690. about 7 in the Morning. 

Jonathan Ayeis Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe his wife was Born jMay 
ye 29th 1701. 

Sarah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born 
Januarj^ ye 8lh 1G90. 

Mary Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born 
Feb. ye- 2:3rd 1698. 

Rachfl Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers anl Joanah his wife was Bora 
May ye 23rd 1701. 

Obediah Ayers and Joannah Ayers Son and Daughter of Obediah Ayera 
an 1 Joanah his wife was Born December ye 2oth 1703. 

Robert Ayers Son of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born July 
ye 18th 1706. 

David Ayers Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe hii wife Born January ye 
2nd 1707. 

Mary Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Bora 
Sept ye 29th 1708. 

Benjamin Ayers Sou of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Bora 
Novr ye 17th 1715. 

James Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was born May 
ye 2nd 1716. 

Mary Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife Deceased 
Novr ye loth 1704 

Aaron Ayers Son of John A3^er3 and Mary his wife was Born July ye 14th 
1708. 

Allison Aide Daughter of John Aide and Elizabeth his wife was born 
Augt ye 2nd 1707. 

Marien Aide Daughter of John Aide and Elizabeth his wife was Bora 
January 29th 1708. 

James Aide Son of John Aide and Elizabeth his wife was Born Feby ye 
8th 1710. 

Samuel Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Bora 
Octr 25th 1707, 

Rachel Ayers Daughter of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
June ye 19th 1710. 

Jacob Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born June 
ye 19th 1710. 

Rebeckah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was 
Born Novr ye 14th 1710. 

Benjamin Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Bora 
Octr 31st 1712. 



3l8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Zebulon Ayers Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe bis wife was Born August 
ye 4th 1708. 

John Allen was married to Deliverance Potter October 24lh 1707. 

By Nathaniel Wade— Clerk- 
Samuel Allen Son of John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Bom 
August ye 24th 1708. 

John Allen Son of John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Born March 
ye 6th 1710. 

Ocilla Allen Daughter ot John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Born 
May ye 34th 1714. 

Susanah Allen Daughter of John Allen and Deliverance his wife was 
Born ye 30th of Novr 1715. 

The Said John Allen Died January ye 19th 1715. 

Obediah Ayers Jur was Married to Elizabeth Comptou February ye 15th 
1716. By Thomas Pike — Justice of the Peace. 

Patience Ayers Daugliter of Obediah Ayers and Elizabeth his wife Born 
the 10th of December 1717, 

Elizabeth Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born Octr 28th 1720. 

B. 

Judith Bradly Daughter of Joshua Bradly and Judith his wife Born ye 
17th of Feby 1667. 

Joshua Bradly Son to Joshua Bradly Sen. and Judith his wife Born ye 
15th of June 1671. 

William Bingle Son of William Bingle and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 
13th of May 1663. 

Benjamin Bacon Son of Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 22nd 
of December 1670. 

Elizabeth Bradly Daughter of Joshua Bradly and Judith his wife Born ye 
ISthof Aue;ust 1673. 

Joseph Bacon Son of Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 7th of 
February 1673. 

Jeremiah Bacon Son to Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 6th 
of April 1675. 

Ann Bacon Daughter to Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 19th 
of April 1677. 

Thomas Bloomfield Son of John Bloomfield and Sarah his wife Born 
Oclr ye 3rd 1679. 

Sarah Bloomfield Daughter to John Bloomfield and Sarah his wife Born 
March ye 28th 1681. 

Timothy Bloomfield Son to Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Born 
ye 11th of Febr 1681. 

Sarah Bishop Daughter to Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born the 10th 
of Febr 1684, 

Jonathan Bishop Son to Noah Bishop Born ye 9th Day of January 1686. 

Ezekiel Bloomfield Son to Ezekiel Bloomfield Born Novr ye 26th 1683. 



APPENDIX. 



319 



Rebeckah Bloomfield Daughter of Ezekiel Bloomfield Born June ye 7tU 
1686. 

Nathaniel Bloomfield Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield Born February ye 9lh 
1688. 

Ruth Bloomfield Daughter to John Bloomfield Born ye 28th Day of March 
1686. 

Phebe Bloomfield Daughter to John Bloomfield Born ye loth of Novem- 
ber 1688. 

Ruth Bishop Daughter to Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born ye 9th of 
Feb 1690. 

Mary Bishop Daughter of Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born April ye 
— 1G93. 

Jeremiah Bloomfield Son to Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Bora 
January ye 28th 1693. 

George Brown was ]Manied to Annabell Knocks w idow February ye 13th 
1693. By me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

James Brown Son of George Brown and Annabell his wife Born Novr 
ye 8lh 1693. 

Thomas Bloomfield and Elizabeth Deunes Both of this TonTU Manied By 
Capt John Pilie May ye 10th 1676. 

John Bloomfield and Sarah Moore both of this Town Married October 3rd 
1676. 

John Bloomfield and Elsie Heard widow were Married ye 27th of May 
1684. 

John Bloomfield Son of John Bloomfield and Elsie his wife Born January 
ye— 1693. 

Joshua Bradly Son of Joshua Bradly and Judith his wife Deceased ye 
18th of April 1669. 

Ruth Bloomfield Daughter of Thomas Bloomfield and Mary his wife 
Deceased the 9th Day of September 1678. 

Thomas Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Mary his wife 
Deceased March ye 37th 1679. 

Timothy Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Mary his wife 
Deceased December ye 28th 1 678. 

Sarah Bloomfield wife to John Bloomfield Deceased ye 13th Day of April 
1681. 

Rebecah Bloomfield Daughter to Ezekiel Bloomfield Deceased ye 25th 
December 1688. 

Joseph Bloomfield Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Born 
March ye 21st 1695. 

Noah Bishop Son of Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife was Born March ye 
8th 1694. 

Ann Bishop Daughter of Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born March ye 
8th 1697. 

these May Certify all persona Concerned that William Bingle was Married 
to Ann — 



320 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Andrew Brown Sou of George Biown and Annabell bis wife was Born 
September ye 3rd 1705. 

Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hester his wife 
was Born January ye 16th 1711. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Timothy Bloomfield was 
Married to Rose Higens ye 2ud April 1707. By Samuel Shepard — 

Andreus Barron Son of Elizeus BaiTon and Mary his wife was Born 
August ye 12th 1706. 

The above said Andreus Departed this Life August ye 29th 170G. 
Samuel Burrell Son of Samuel Burrell and Susannah bis wife was Born 
May ye 26th 1707. 

Rebecah Bloomfield Daughter of Timothy Bloomfield and Rose his wife 
was Born June ye 3rd 1709. 

Sarah Bloomfield Daughter of Timothy Bloomfield and Rose his wife was 
Bom August ye 19th 1710. 

Benony Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Sarah his wife was 
Born March ye llth 1707. 

These may Certify all persons Concerned that Ezekiel Bloomfield of 
Weodbridge was Married to Hester Dunham December ye 23rd 1706. 

b}'- me Moses Rolph Justice 
These May Certify all persons Concerned that Elizeus Barron was Mar- 
ried to Maiy Andreus December ye 27lh 1705. By me Samuel Shepard 
Justice. 

Mary Barron wife to the above said Elizeus Barron Departed this Life 
August ye 23rd 1706. 

Moses Bloomfield Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hester his wife was 
Born December ye 8th 1707. 

Richard Bloomfield Son of Timothy Bloomfield and Rose his wife was 
Born January ye 4th 1707. 

These May Certify all persons Concerned that Thomas Bloomfield was 
Married to Sarah Moores May ye 1st 1705. 

Isaac Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Sxrah his wife was Born 
January ye 22nd 1705. 

Judith Bradly wife to Joshua Bradly Deceased the 7th Day of December 
1682. 

Nathaniel Bloomfield the Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife 
Deceased the 15th Day of October 1689. 

Nathaniel Bloomfield Deceased May ye 31st 1689. 
Ezekiel Bloomfield Deceased February ye 15th 1702. 
Amos Butler Son of Samuel Butler and Mehitabell his wife was Born 
Novrye 23rd 1701. 

Thomas Brown Son of George Brown and Annabell his wife was born 
March y.2ud 1695. 

William Brown Son of George Brown and Annabell his wife was Bora 
May ye llth 1698. 

Christian Brown Daughter of George Brown and Annabell his wife born 
April ye 26th 1701. 



APPENDIX. 321 

Grier Brown Sou of George Brown and Annal;ell liis wife Born Sept 5'e 
3rd 1703 

Mary Brittain D.uighter of Daniel Brittuin and Elizabetii his wife wa3 
Born Fobiuary je 2M\ 1700. 

Sarah Couipton Daughter to William Compton and Mary his wife Born 
ye 3oih July 1(570. 

David Compton Son to William Compton an I Mary his wife Born ye 
2lsl July 1671. 

Sarah Compton Daughter to Willian Compton and Mary his wife Boru 
ye 1st of June 1073. 

Jonathan Compton Son to "Willi im Compton and I\Iary iiis wife Boru ye 
18th of December 1074. 

Mary Compton Daughter to John Compton and Eli/ahctli his wife was 
Born ye 20th of June 1000. 

Sarah C(mger Daughter to J. dm Conger and Mary his wifu Born in 
January 1068. 

Joanah Conger Daughter to John Conger and Mary his wife Born 
in August 1670. 

John Conger Son to Jolin Conger and Mary his wife Born ye 24lh Day of 
May 1G74. 

John Coddington Son to John (Joddington and Annaii his wife Born ye 
8th day of Novr. 1077. 

Benjamin Coddington Son to John Coddington and Annah his wife Born 
ye 8th of Oclr 1080 

Hannah Coddington Daugliter to Jolm Coddington and AnnaU his wife 
Born ye ^Tth of May 1083. 

Elizabeth Conger Daughter to John Conger and Mary his wife Born ye 
1st of January 1678. 

Lediah Conger Daughter to John Conger and Mary iiis wife Boru ye Ist 
of Januarj' 1670. 

Jonathan Conger Son to John Conger and Maiy his wife Born ye 29th 
March 1083. 

Jane Codiick Daughter to llallick <\)drick and Jane his wife Born ye 
IGth day of OctoDer 1080. 

Sarah Coddington Born ye 28th of March 1087. 

Peter Codrick Son* of llallick Codrick Born the 10th of March 1688. 

Edward Crow Late of New England Deceased the 31.st of July 1088. 

William Compton Son of John Compton and Eliz il)eth his wife Born 
May ye 2:th 1693. 

John Compton Son of John Compton and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 
28th of Febr 1601. 

Mary Corbit Daughter of Jolm ('orbit and Mary his wife Born ye 27th of 
March 1090. 

John Corbit was Married h) Elizabelh Adams Widow March ye 27lh 
1693. By me Samuel Hale Justice, 

u 



322 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Moses Collier Son of Thomas Collier ami llunuah his wife Born Octr ye 
14lh 1695. 

John Compton was Married to Elizabeth Muuday of Piscataway March 
ye 6th 1681). By me Samuel Hale Justice. 

Moses Collier Son of Thomas Collier Deeeased Octr ye 39th 1095. 

To all Persons that may be Concerned Know ye that John Piobeson was 
Married to Jennet Cotter widow April ye 33rd 1G89. By me Samuel Hale 
Justice. . 

Doctor Peter Designy Married to Ann Roaers widow of Robert Rogers 
Deceased August ye 30th 1685. 

Moses Collier Deceased ye 17th Day of March 16S4 in ye 59th 3'ear of his 

age. 

Caleb Cambel was Married to Mary Compton January ye 1st 1095. 

By me Samuel Hale Justice. 

Sarah Compton Daughter to William Compton and Mary his wife 
Deceased ye 16th of September 1670. 

Isaac Clark Deceased ye 16 day of July 1689. 

Thankful! Crow Daughter to Edward Crow and IMary his wife Deceased 
about the Middle of December 1088. 

Enos Conger Son of John Conger and Sarah his wife Deceased ye 31st of 
November 1689. 

Thomas Collier was Maviied to Hannah Deunes March ye 1st 1693. 

By me John Bishop Justice. 

Rachel Cambel Daughter of Caleb Cambell and Mary his wife was Born 
May ye 30th 1697. 

William Cramer Son of William Cramer and Rachel his wife was Born 
June ye 13ih 1691. 

Abraham Clark Son of Samuel Clark and Mary his wife was Born 
October ye 11th 1699. 

Joseph Cromwell Deceased at Philadelphia August ye lOlh 1695. 

Joseph Cromwell Son of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wife Deceased 
Novr ye 6th 1696. 

Hannah Cromwell Daughter of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wife 
Born Novr ye 15th 1698 about five of the Clock in the Morning. 

Hannah Collier Daughter of Thomas Collier and Hannah las wife was 
Born April.ye 10th 1698. 

Lydia Conger Daughter of John Conger and Sarah his wife Born April 
ye 28th 1698. 

Rachel Compton Daughter of John Compton and Elizabeth his wife Born 
January ye 17lh 1698. 

John Cromwell Son of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wife was Bora 
March ye l'.)th 1698 at a 11 o'clock in the forenoon. 

Ebenezer Alias Benjamin Cromwell Son of Benjamin Cromwell and 
Sarah his wile was Born ye 9lh Day of December 1700. about 11 of the 
Clock in the forenoon. 

James Clarksin Son of James Clarkson and Christian his wife Born ye 
let of March 1«87. 



APPF.NDIX. 



323 



Joseph Cromwell Son of Benjamin CroniMTll and Sarah hig wife Born 
Octr ye 27lh 1694. 

Joseph Conger Son of John Conger and Sarah his wife Born May ye 17th 
1692. 

Job Cungxr Son of John Conger and Sarah his wife Born June ye 9th 
1694. 

Joseph Coddinglon Born March ye 32nd 1G89. 

Elizabeth Comptou Daughter ol John Conipton and Elizabeth hia wife 
Born Se{)tember ye ITth 1695. 

Rachel Conger Daughter of Joim Conger and Sarah his wife Born May 
ye 12th 1690. 

Anna Coddiugton wife to John Coddingtou Deceased Septr ye 20th 1090. 

Sarah Compton Daughter to John Compton and Eiizabetli his wife Born 
Angust ye 15th 1697. 

David Compton Son of John Compton and Elizabeth his wife Born May 
ye 16th 1704. 

John Coddinglon was Married to Mary "White the lirsl Day of May 1691. 

Zebiah Collier Daughter of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was 
Born April ye 10th 1701. 

Jonathan Compton was Married to Esther Martin Septemberye 24th 1701. 

By me Samuel Hale Justice. 

Moses Collier Sou of Tiiomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born 
Febr ye 20th 1703. 

Jost-ph Catterliu Son of Barnird Catterlin and Alice his wife was Born 
December ye 22nd 1703. 

Nathaniel Catterlin Son of Barnard Catterlin and xVlice his wife was Born 
January ye 30th 1704. 

Anna Coddiugton Daughter of Benjamin Coddingtou and Mary his wife 
was Born May ye 6th 1705. 

Margret Coddiugton Daughter of Benjamin Coddiugton and Mary his 
wife was Born ye 7th Day of May 1706. 

John Coddingtou Son of John Coddingtou and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born March ye 35th 1700. 

Sarah Collier Daughter of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born 
July ye 2nd 1705. 

Thomas Collier Son of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born 
March ye 29th 1707. 

Moses Collier Son of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born 
February ye 36lh 1702. 

Sarah Cutter Daughter of Richard Cutler and Mary his wife was Born 
Novr ye 0th 1707. 

Rebeckah Cutter Daughter of Richard Cutter aud Mary his wife Born 
April ye 30lh 1709. 

These may Certify all persons concerned that John Corbit of Woodbridge 
was Married to Sarah Pike ye 28th Day of Septr 1703. 

By me Samuel Walker Justice. 



324 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

John Coibit Son of John Corbil and Sarah his wife was Born April ye 
26 th 1704. 

These May Certify all persons Concerned that John Corbit Junr was 
Married to Elizabeth Cramer ye 2::5rd Day of Octr 1705. 

By me Samuel Hale Justice. 

Those May Certify all Persons whom it may concern that Richard Cutter 
was Married to Mary Pike August ye 30th 1700. 

By me Moses Rolph — Justice. 

Jonathan Compton Son of JoniUhan Complon and Esther his wife was 
Born July ye 12th 1700. 

John C(jlller Son of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born April 
ye IGth 1709. 

Rich:ird Coddington Son o( John Coddiugton and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born May ye 27th 1708. 

Hannah Compton Daughter of John Com))ton and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born January ye 29th in the year of our Lord 1708. 

Edward Crowell was Married October ye 5th 1707, to Sarah Veal. 

By me Nathaniel Wade Clerk. 

Elizabeth Crowell Daugliter of Edward Crowell and Sarah his wife was 
Born July ye 8th 1708. 

John Crowell Son of Edward Crowell and Sarah liis wife was Born Octr 
ye 25th 1709. 

Samuel Crowell Son of Edward Crowell and Sarah his wife was Born 
July ye 30th 1711. 

Mary Crowell Daughter of Edward Crowell and Sarah his wife was Boru 
August ye ;]rd 1713. 

Edward Crowell Son of Edward Crowell and Sarali his wife was Born ye 
8th of March 1715. 

Surah Crowell Daughter of Edward Crowvll and Sarah his wife was Born 
Octr ye 17th 1717. 

Joseph Crowell- Son of Edward C!n>well and Sarah his wife was Bora 
Septr ye 24th 1724. 

Thomas Crowell Son ol Kdward Crowell raid Sarah his wife was Boru 
March ye 22n(l 1720. 

Edward Crowell was M-xrried to Eliz d)elh Pike, November ye 21th 1731. 

By me the Reverend Mr. John Pierson. 

The Said Elizabeth Departed this Life November ye 20tU 1733. 

Annabel Crowell Daughter of E Iwar.l Crowell and Cnristian his wife was 
Born. ye 17ih Day of April 1741. 

Agnes-'S Daughter of Edward and Christian Crjwell was Born November 
ye 2nd 1743. 

Katharine Crowell Daughter of Edwaid and Christian Crowell was Boru 
January ye 0th 1730. 

James Son of Edward Crowell and Christian his wife was b )rn May ye 
7th 1739. 

Samuel Compton Son of John Compton aud Elizabeth his wile was Boru 
July ye lot I 1712. 



APPKNDIX. 325 

James Collier Son of Thomas Collier aud HanQali his wife was Born^ye 
Cth day of July 1711. 

David Conger Son of Gershora Conger and Ann his wife was Born March 
ye 15th 1707. 

Phebe Conger Daughter of Gershom Conger and Ann his wife was Born 
SeptryeSSod 1708. 

Gershom Conger Son of Gershoni Conger and Ann his wife was Born 
April ye 5th 1711. 

Yelverton Crowell was Married to Hannah Adams Oetobec ye sth 1703. 

By Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Seth Crowell Son of Yelverton Crowell and Hannah his wife was Bora 
December ye 2nd 1706. 

Yelverton Crowell Son of Yelverton Crowell and Hann ih his wife was 
Born March ye 31st 1710. 

Benjamin Crowell Son of Yelverton Crowell and Hannah his wife was 
Bom Novr ye S3rd 1715. 

Hannah Crowell Daughter of Yelverton Crowell and Hannah his wife was 
Born April ye 33Qd 1719. at 9 o'clock in the Morning. 

Seth Crowell was Married to Mary Crowell Novr 11th 1730 

By Joseph Webb Minister. 

Hannah Crowell Daughter ot the aforesaid Seth Crowell and Mary his 
wife Born September ye I81I1 1731. 

Euos Crowell Son of Seth Crowell and Mary his wife was Born Septem- 
ber ye 11th 1733. 

Sarah Crowell Daughter of Seth Crowell and Mary hi^ wife was Bora 
April ye 1st 1735. 

D. 

John Dennes Son of John Dennes an 1 Sarah his wife Born ye 9th of 
Septr 1669. 

Mary Dennes Daughter of John Dennes anJ Sarah his wife Born Decem- 
ber ye 7th 1671. 

Sarah Di'unes Daughter of John Dennes and Sarah his wife Born in July 
ye lyth 1673. 

Elizabeth Dennes Daughter to John Dennes and Sarah his wife Born 
February ye 14th 1674. 

Suzanah Dilly Daughter to John Dilly and Sarah his wife Born ye 14th 
of June 1674 

Sarah Dilly Daughter to John Dilly and Sarah his wife Born yc 28lh of 
December 1677. 

John Dilly Son to John Dilly and Sarah his wife Born ye 34th of January 
1680. 

Elizabeth Dennes Daughter to Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Born 
ye 8th of January 1678. 

Mary Dennes Daughter to Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Born ye 
7tli ot April 1683. 

Rachel Dennes Daughter to Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Bora 
yc 30lh of Oclr 1683. 



326 WOODBRIDGIi AND VICINITY. 

Jonathan Dilly Sou to John Dilly arid Sarah his wife Born the Last Day 
of September 1681 

Jonathan Dennes Son to Jonathan Donues and Rachel his wife Born ye 
29th of January 1685. 

Joseph Dennes Son of Jonathan Dennes was born ye 18th day of Febru- 
ary 1687. 

Hannah Dennes Daughter of Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Born 
ye 26th of January 1691. 

Mary Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife Born 
December ye 21st 1698. 

John Dennes Son of John Dennes and Rachel his wife was Born January 
ye 14ih 1700. 

Josej^h Donnes Son of John Dennes and Rachel his wife was Born May 
ye 8th 1697. 

John Dennes and Sarah Bloomfield Married December ye 18th 1668. 

Doctor Peter Designy Married to Ann Rogers ye 20th of August 1685. 

Samuel Dennes Junr was Married to Mary Crowell December ye ord 1695. 

This is to Certify all whonie it may Concern that Phillip Dodridge and 
Frances Moore was Lawf .illy JIarried October ye 15th 1696. Pr Me Sini- 
onera Smilh Chaplain to his M;<jesties Forces in New York in America— 

Rachel Dennes Daughter to John Dennes and Rachel his wife Born May 
ye 14th 1699. 

John Dennes was Married to Rachel Hull April ye 8th 1694. 

By Samuel Hale Justice. 

Charles Dennes and Sarah Dennes Son and Daughter to Jonathan Dennes 
and Rachel his wile Born ye 4th of January 1689. 

Ann Designy Daughter to Peter Designy and Ann his wife Bora August 
ye 26th 1686. 

Mary Dci^igny Daughter to Peter Designy and Ann his wife Born Febr 
ye 22nd 1688. 

Mary Designy Daughter of Peter Designy and Ann his wife Born May ye 
19lh 1690. 

Sarah Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife was Bora 
Septr ye 27lh 1696. 

Unis Dennes Daughter of John Dcu.ies and Rachel his wife Born Decem- 
ber ye 29 th 1694. 

Samuel Dennes Son of Samuel Dennes and Sarah his wife was Born Septr 
ye 17th 1672. 

Robert Dennes Son of Samuel Dennes and Sarah his wife Born May ye 
17th 1676. 

Sarah Dennes Daugliter of Samuel Deimes and Surah his wife Born Feby 
ye 17th 1678. 

Jonathan Dennes Son of Samuel Donues and Sarah his wife liorn Febru- 
ary 1683. 

Ann French Daughter of Jolin French and his wii'e Born ye l:3th of 
December 1692. 



APPENDIX. 327 

Jonathan Dunham the Son ofJonUhan Dunham alias Siugltaryand Mary 
his wife and formerly ot Huverell in the Massachusetts Collony was Born ye 
24th of September Anno 1G72. 

David Dunham the Son of the aforesaid Jonathan Dunham and I\[ary his 
■wife was Born March ye 10th Anno. 1074. 

Nathaniel Dunham the Son of the Said Jonathan and Mary his wife was 
Born February ye 8th Anno. 1()77. Deceased May ye 14th Anno. 1078. 

Nathaniel Dunham ye 2nd, the Son of the aforesaid Jonathan and Mary 
his wife Born April ye 10th anno. 1679. 

Benjamin Dunham the Sou of ye aforesaid Jonathan and Mnry his wife 
Born August ye '23nd Anno. 1681. 

Unis Dunham the Daughter of ye aforesaid Jonathan and Mary his wife 
Deceased ye ."ith of Deceniber Anno. 1G84, in the 17th year of her age. 

Jonathan Dennes Son ot Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife Born ye 3nd 
Day of Sept r 10U2. 

Joseph Duuham Son of David Dunham and' Mary his wife was Bora 
OctryeTih 1700. 

Jonathan Dennes Son to Samuel Dennes, Deceased ye 12th of December 
1688. 

Sarah Dennes wife of John Dennes Deceased j^e 5th of May 1689. 

John Dennes above Mentioned Deceased yc 8th of May 1689. 

Mary Dennes Daughter of the above said John Dennes and Sarah his 
wife Deceased October 1089. 

these May Certify all Persons tiiat Jonathan Dunham was Married to 
Easter Rolph the 5th day of February 1690. By me Samuel Ilalc Justice. 

Samuel Dunham Son of Jonathan Dunham and Eister his wife Bora 
October ye 4th 1697. 

Eunice Dunham Daughter of Jonathan Dunham and E isler his wife was 
Born October ye 9th 1699. 

George Darling Son of George Darling and Elizabeth his wife was Bora 
Novr ye 1st in the year 1683. 

Mary Djunes Dingh'cr of Samuel Deanes Junr an 1 M uy his wife 
Departed this Life March yc ISth 1702. 

Robert Dennes Son of Samuel Deimes and Mary his wife Deceased Janu- 
ary ye 17th 1702. 

Eunice Dunham Daughter of Jonathan Dunham and Easter his wife 
Born May ye 12th 1703. 

Mary Dunham Daughter of Jonathan Dunham and Easter his wife Born 
March ye 3rd 1704. 

The above said Jonathi>.n Dunham Departed this Life September ye 6th 
1706. 

Richard Duuham Son of Benjamin Dunham and Mary his wife was Bora 
ye 28th day of J\Iay 1707, about a 11 of the Clock in ye Morning — 

Abigal Dennes Daughter of Phillip Dennes and Mary his wife was Bora 
April ye 17th 1704. 

Daniel Deane was Mariied to Rebecah Phillips August ye 2nd 1710. 

By me Nathaniel Wado— Clerk. 



328 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Sarah Deaue Daughter of ye said Daniel Deaue and llebecali his wife was 
Born May ye 8th 1711. 

William Dean Son of Daniel Dean and Rebecali his wife was Born March 
ye 1st 1712. 

Nalhanifl Dunham was Married to Joannah Thornell ye 20th of October 
1703. By Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Elizabeth Dunham Daughter of ye above said Nathaniel Dunham and 
Joannah his wife was Boin May ye 10th 1710. 

Mary Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife was Born 
January ye 9th 170:1 

Samuel Dennes Son of Samuel Dennes Junr and ]Mary his wife was Born 
July ye 8th 1700. 

Kebecah Dean Daughter of Daniel Dean and Rebecah his wife was Born 
ye 22nd of June 1717. 

Benjamin Dunham Son of Benjamin Dunham and Mary his wife was 
Born December 4th 1712. 

Katherine Dunham Daughter of Benjamin Dunham and Mary his wife 
was Born March ye iSth 1712. 

Jonathan Dunham Son of Benjamin Duniinin and Mary his wife was 
Born January ye 7th 1710. 

Mary Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife Deceased 
October ye 1st 1706. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned tluit Jonathiin Dennes was 
Married to Agness Sharp ye Gth Day of February 1710. 

By Mr. Wade Minister. 

Samuel Dennes Sou of Jonathan Dennes and Agness his wife was Born 
Octrye 25lh 1711. 

Joannah Dunham Daughter of Nathaniel Dunham and Joannah his wife 
was Born Septr ye 25th 1712. 

Jerusiia Dunham Daughter of Nathaniel Dunham and Joannah his wife 
was Born March ye ;5rd 1714. 

Susannaii Dean Daughter of Daniel and Kebecah Dean his wife was Born 
May ye 31st 171."). 
Daniel David was Married to Mary Man ye ;h-d Day of March 171fi. 

By John Bishop— Justice. 

Hester David Daughter of Daniel David and Mary his wife was Born ye 
1st of September 1717. 
Samuel Dally Son of Charles Dally and Elizabeth his wife was Born iii 

the year ]7;]2. 

E. 

Daniel Ervane was Married to Hannah Brooks October ye 22ud lti94. 

By me David Madej' — Justice. 

Enoch Elison Son of William Elison and Mary his wife was Born 
December ye 4th 1697. 

Abraham Eastwood Son of John Eastward and Lydia his wife was Born 
ScptryeSth 1707 



APPENDIX. 329 

John Eddie was Married to Elizabeth Edwards the Last day of March in 
ye year 1706. By Samuel Hale — Justice ot Peace. 

Elison Eddie Daughter of John Eddie and Elizabeth hi'^ wife was Born 
August ye 8th 1707. 

Meriam Eddie Daughter of John Eddie and Elizabeth bis wife was Born 
January ye 2t)th 1708. 

James Eddie Son of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
February ye 25th 1710. 

Jane Eddie Daughter of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
December ye 28th 1712. 

Elizabeth Eddie Daughter ol John Eddie and Elizabeth his wlte Born 
Febr ye20lh 1715. 

Robert Eddie Sou of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born March 
ye 3rd 1717. 

John Eddie Sou of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born January 
ye 29th 1719. 

Gawen Eddie Son of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
February ye 17th 1721. 

William Eddie Sou of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born June 
ye Olh 1723. 

Thomas Eddie Son of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife Born Septr ye 

5th 1725. 

F. 

Marthew Fitz Randolph wife of Isaac Fitz Randolph Deceased August ye 
11th 1691. 

Christian Fitz Randolph Son to John Fitz Randolph and Martha his wife 
Born the 23rd Day of February 1682. 

Rose Fitz Randolph Daughter to John Fitz Randolph Born ye 28th of 
July 1685. 

Resier Fitz Randolph Daughter to John Fitz Randolph and Martha his 
wife was Born July ye 22nd 1G89. 

Isaac Fitz Randolph Son of Isaac Fitz Randolph and Ruth his wife Born 
April ye 16th 1093. 

Mary Fitz Randolph Daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace '-^ 
his wife Born April ye 28th 1693. 

John Fitz Randolph and Martha Fitz Randolph Son and Daughter of 
John Fitz Randolph and 3Iartha his wife was Born April ye 25th 1693. 

William Fitz Randolph Son of Isaac Fitz Randolph and Ruth his wife 
was Born October ye 27th 1694. 

Peter Fitz Randolph Son of John Fitz Randolph and Martha his wife 
was Born ye 20tli of April 1695. 

Isaac Fitz Randolph was Mariied to Ruth Higgins may ye 26th 1692. 

By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was Married to Grace Hull May ye 26th 1692. 

By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Samuel Fitz Randolph Publication for Marrage Dated Sepir ye 28th 1693. 



33° WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Samuel Fitz Randolph was Married to Mary Jones June ye 8th 1(393. 

By me John Bishop— Justice. 

Moses Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wile Born 
August ye 24th 1700. 

Rachel Freeman Daughter of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife 
Born March ye Gth 1701. 

Joseph Fitz Randolph Son of John Filz Randolph and Martha his wife 
Deceased ye 4th of Novr 1G91. 

Truslrum Fitz Randolph Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace his 
•wife Born Septr ye 22nd 1(394. 

Ann Fitz Randolph Dauajhter of John Fitz Randolph and ^Martha his 
wife Born Jauuar3'^ ye 24th 1094. 

John Force Son of Matliew Force and Sarah his wife Born December ye 
24th 1697. 

Elizabeth Force Daughter of Mathew Force and Sarah his wife was Bora 
Septr ye 22nd 1699. 

John Foord.was Married to Elizabeth Freeman December ye 18th 1701. 

By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Edward Freeman was Married to Hannah Phillips March ye 11th 1696. 

By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Mathew Force was Married to Sarah Morris January ye 7tli li)9C. 

By iMe Samuel Hale — Justice. 

John Fitz Randolph Junr was JMarried to Sarah Potter April ye 8tli 1702. 

By Me John Bishop — Justice. 

Samuel Fitz Randolph Son of Samuel Fitz Randolpii and ]\Iary his wife 
was Born ye IGth of December 1694. 

Prudence Fitz Randolph Daughter of Samuel Fitz Randolph and Mary 
his wife Born August ye 20tli 1696. 

Susannah Fitz Randol]>h Daughter of Samuel Fitz Randolph and Mary 
his wife Avas Born December ye SOtli 1699. 

Experience Fitz Randolph Daugliter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and 
Grace his wife was Borti June ye 14lh 1698. 

Rachel Fitz Randolph Daugliter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace 
his wife was Born May ye 15th 1698. 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph Son ot Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace his 
wife was Born January ye 5th 1700. ^ 

Grace Fitz Randolph Daughter of Christopher Fitz Randolph and Sarah 
his wife Born Febr ye 1st 1708. 

Mary Foice Daugliter of Mathew Force and Sarah his wife Born Novr ye 
18th 1701. 

The Said ]M;'.ry Force Deceased April ye 17th 170;>. 

Mary Foreman Daughter to Jolui Foreman was Born September ye 25th 
1697. 

Ursula Foreman Daughtrr to John Foreman and JMargarel his wife Born 
Septr ye 25th 1700. 

Isaac Filz Randolpli his Publication for Marriage with Ruth Higgens 
Dated April ye 2:Jrd 1692. 



APPENDIX. 331 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph his Piiblicaliou for Marriage with Grace Hull 
Date April ye 23rd 1G93. 

These May Certify whome'it May Concern that Isaac Fitz Randolph was 
Married to Martha Bingla ye 18th Day of Septr 1690. 

By Me John Bishop 

Jacob Foord Son of John Foord and Elizabeth his wife was Born April 
ye iSth 1705. 

Rachel Freeman Daughter of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife was 
born March ye 29th 1706. 

Benony Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife Born 
March ye 19th 1709. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that John French was Married 
to Mary Bonamy August ye 4th 1705. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Susanniih Frencli Daughter of John French and Mary his wife was Born 
June ye lllh 1706. 

William French Son of John French and Mary his wife was Born Janu- 
Bjy ye 15th 1707. 

Mary French Daughter of John French and Mary his wife was Born June 
ye 4th 1710. 

Sarah French Daughter of John French and Mary his wife was Born 
November ye 25ih 1712. 

Rachel Freeman Daughter to Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife 
Deceased October ye ord 1704. 

Hannah Freeman Daughter of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife 
Departed this Life October ye 19th 1704. 

William Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife was 
Born March ye 18th 1713. 

Edward Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife was 
Born March ye 2nd 1714. 

Henry Freeman was Married to Elizabeth Bonne May ye 16th 1695. 

By Samuel Hale— Justice of the Peace. 

Ann Elizabeth Freeman Daugliter of Henry Freeman and Eliz ibeth his 
■wife was Born February ye 16th 1695. 

John Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
Novr ye 5th 1698. 

Jonathan Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born July ye 13th 1700. 

Mary Freem m Daughter of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born June ye 5th 1702. 

Sirah Freeman Daughter of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born February ye 1st 1703. 

Rachel Freeman Daughter of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born Janr ye 18th 1705. 

Samuel Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
March ye 31st 1708. 

Jo.seph Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
December ye 21st 1709. 



332 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Hannah Freeman Daughter of Henry Frceaiau and Elizabeth his wife 
■was Born Octr ye 31st 1711. 

Benjamin Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born June ye 8rd 1713. 

Isaac Freenian Sou ot Henry Freeman and Eliz:ibeth his wife was Born 
May ye 25lh 1715. 

Henry Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Eliz ibelh his wife was Born 
March ye 23rd 1717. 

James Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Bora 
Novrye 1st 1710. 

G. 

Josiali Grabham alics winter Son of Obediah Crabham alies winter and 
Margret his wife Born the loth day of March 1(501). 

Hester Grabliam Daughter to Oljediah Grabham alies winter and ^largret 
his wife Born ye 10th day of October 1G71. 

Obediah Grabham Son of Obediah Grabham alies winter and Margret his 
wife Born ye 10th of October 1673. 

Elizabeth Gra^^ Daughter of Joseph Gray and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
Pebr ye 3oth 1698. 

Joseph Gray Son of Joseph Gray and Elizabeth his wife Born Septr ye 
22nd 1700. 

Benjamin Gray Son of Joseph Gray and Eliz ibeth his wife born October 
ye 7th 1702. 

Richanl Gibson was Married to Jemima Collier March ye 1st 1693. 

By Me John Bishop —Justice. 

Jemima Gibson Daughter of Klchard Gibson and Jemima his wife was 
Born Febr ye 2nd 1694. 

Grace Gibson Daughter of Richard CJibson and Jemima his wife was Born 
July ye 7th 1697. 

Woodbridge May ye 29th 1689. These Certify that James Greer was 
Married Said Day unto Miriam Cowan. By Me Archd Riddle in Pres- 
ence of Samuel Hale 

These May Certify that Joseph G:ay was Married to Elizabeth Hollon 
October ye 13th 1698. 

James Gold'A'ell Son of James Goldwell and Mary Hews Born at Wood- 
bridge August 31st 1700. 

James Gilcrist Son of Robert Gilcrist and Miriam his wife was Born 
December ye 20lh 1704. 

These May jDertify all Persons Concerned that Robert Groves was Married 
to Mary Sanderson .luly ye 30th 1705. By Me Samuel Dennes— Justice. 

Timothy Goodfelow Son of Samuel Goodfelow and Comfort his wife was 
Born March ye 2!llh 1709. 

H. 

Sarah Hale daughter to Samuel Hale and Sarah his wife Born ye 25th of 
October 1675. 

Mary Hale Daughter to Samuel Hale and SaraJi hib wile Boni ye 28th of 
Novr 1678. 



Arpr,NDix. 



333 



Ann Hcminway Daiiglitor of Robert Hcniinway nnd Mary bis wife was 
Born Marcb ye 21st 1(598. 

Pertb Am boy ye 24lb of Novr 1603. 

Tbese are to Testify tliat I Married Edward Hains and Sarali Decent By 
the Testimony of iSamuel Dennes Clerli in Woodbridge, tbis Day and Date 
above written. David Mudie — Justice. 

Sarab Hale wile to Samuel Hale Departed tbis I>ife ye Ifitb Day of Janu- 
ary 1681. 

Samuel Hale Esqr Departed tbis Life November ye 5tb 1709. Being Sixty 
Nine Years Nine Montbs and tbree Days Old. He Dytd of tbe Small Pox. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Francis Hollon was Mar- 
ried to Sarah Frost ye 6th d^y of Februtuy 1701. By Me John Herriman. 

Mabittabell Hollon Dauglter of Francis Hollon and Sarab bis wife was 
Born December ye 20tb 1702. 

Mary Hollon tbe Daughter of Francis Hollon and S irab bis wife waa 
Born Marcb ye 18tb in tbe year 1709. 

Tobias Hatch Avas Married to S:irab Cromwell ibe Last Day of October 
1717. 

Joseph Hatch Son of Tobias Hiitcb and Sarab bis wife was Born Novem- 
ber ye 22nd 1718. 

John Hude Son of Adam Hude and Mary his wife Born ye 2:Jrd of July 
1687. 

Agness Hude Daughter of Adam Hude and IMary bis wife Born October 
1689. 

Robert Hude Son of Adam Hude and Mary his wife Born Septr ye 5th 
1692. 

John Hude Son of Adam Hude Deceased Novr 1687. 

I ANB J. 

John Jaijuish Son to Henry Jaquish and Hannah his wife Born ye 2nd of 
August 1674. 

Henry Jaquish Son to Henry J;uiuish and Hannah his wife J?orn ye 12th 
of September 167."). 

Sarab Jaquish Daughter to Henry Jaquish and Hannah liis wife Born ye 
12th of Janr 1677. 

Jonathan Jaquish Son of Henry Ja(iuisb and Ilannub bis wife Born ye 
9tb day of April l()7n. 

Rebeckah Ilsly Daughter to John Ilsly and Ann his wife Born ye 10th 
Day of June 1673. 

John Ilsly Son to John Ilsly and Ann his wife Born ye22ud ol May 1675. 

David Ilsly Son to John Ilsly and Ann his wife Born ye 3rd Day of 
August 1677. 

Mary Ilsly Daughter to John Ilsly and Ann bis wifeBt)rn ye 13th of April 
1680. 

David Ilsly Son to Jobn Ilslj- ami Ann bis wife Born September ye 9th 
1682. 

Jonathan Ilsley Son to Jcbn Ilsly and Ann bis wife iJorn November ye 
19th 1689. 



334 



WOODBRIDGF. AND VICINITY. 



Joseph Ilsley Son to Joliu Ilsly and Ann bis wife Born April ye 29th 1693. 

Tliese May Certify any person Concerned that John Jaquish was Married 
unto Susannah Meirik widow the Eleventh Day of December 1700. 

Before Me Jolin Bishop — Justice. 

John Jaquish Son of John Jaquish and Susaunali his wife Born Decem- 
ber ye 11th 1701. 

Daniel Jones Son of Edward Jones and Hester his wife Born January ye 
23rd 1694. 

Elipbalet Jones Son of Richard Jones and Sarah liis wife Born May ye 
31st 1096. 

Moses Jones Son of Edward Jones and Hester his wife Born October ye 
19th 1696. 

Hannah Jones Daughter of Richard Jones and Sarah his wife was Born 
March ye 29th 1699. 

These j\Iay Certify all persons Concerned* that Edward Jones was Married 
to Jane Cone April ye 14th 1696. By Me John Bishop— Justice. 

Edward Joiies Son of Edward Jones and Jane his wife Born December ye 
26th 1697. 

Jane Jones Daughter of Edward Jones and Jane his wife was Born May 
ye 16th 1699. 

Mar^^ret Jones Daughter of Edward Jones and Jane his wife Born March 
ye 17th 1702. 

Sarah Jaquish Died ye 12th Day of April 1678. 

Henry Jaquish Departed this Life ye 17th Day of April 1679. 

David Ilsly Died ye 28th October 1681. 

Margret Jones Daughter of Edward Jones and Jane his wife was Born 
March ye 18th 1701. 

Susanah Jaquish Daughter of John Jaquish and Susanah his wife Born 
June ye 4th 1708. 

Mary Jaquis Daughter of John Jaquis and Susanah his wife was Born 
Novr ye 9th 1710. 

John Jaquis was Married to Deliverance Allen widow Novr ye 17th 1716- 
Pr Moses Rolph — Justice. 

Samuel Jaques was Married to Sarah Cutter Febr the 12th 1730. 

Susanah Jaques Daughter of above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was 
Born January ye 17lh 1731. 

Richard Son of ihe above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born March 
ye 6tli 1733. 

Mary Daughter of the above slid Samuel and Sarah Jatiues was Born 
March ye 14lh 1737. 

Samuel Son of the above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born April 
ye 29th 1739. 

Sarah Daughter of the above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born 
Septr ye 2nd 1744. 

William Son of the above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Bora June 
ye 26lh 1750. 



APPENDIX. 



K. 



335 



Stephen Kent of Wooilbndge and Jane Scott were Married ye 25th Day 
ol December lOSo. 

Susanah Keut Dau-rhter to Stephen Kent and Jane his wife was Born ye 
21st of December 1684. 

David Kent Son to Stephen Kent and Jane his wife was Born ye Last 
Day of June 1G80. 

Nugient Kelly an;l Hannah Kelly his wife the Eldest Daughter of Wil- 
liam Insley Late of Woodbridge Deceased, was Married on ye 2nd Day of 
April 1721). 

Elisha Kelly their Eldest Son Born February ye 6th IToO. 

Katharine Kelly Born August ye 31st 1781. 

Katharine Kelly died Julj' 30th 1732. 

Mary and Elizabeth Kelly Born March the 26th 1734. 

William Insley Kelly Born December 28th 1735. 

Mary Kelly Died Xovember ye 30th 1736. 

Ricliard Kelly Born January ye 29th 1738. 

Hannah Kelly Departed this Life October ye 7th 1743. 

L. , . 

John Looborrow his Publication for Marriage with Hannah Bunn was 
Dated October ye 20th 1688. 

John Looborrow his Certiticate Dated Novr ye 22nd 1688. 

To all Persons that are or May Be Concerned Know ye that John 
Loof borrow was ]NL\rried to Hannah Bunn November ye 22nd 1688. 

Before Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Entered By Me Samuel Dennes — Clerk, 

These May Informe all Persons that i\Iay Be Concerned that Joha 
Mathew was Married to Katharine Hume ye 22ud Day of October 1690. 

By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

These May Informe All Persons that ^lay Be Concerned that Samuel 
Lewis was Married to Su.sanah Jones Septr ye 29th 1698. 

By me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Mar2.ret Lockhart Daughter of Gawen Lockhart and jMary his wife Boru 
ye 27th of Febr 1688. 

Mary Lockhart Daughter of Gawen Lockhart and 'Slury his wife Bora ye 
29th of April 1690. 

Thomas Loofborrow Son of John Loofborrow and Hannah his wife wa3 
born June ye 6lh 1090. 

John Loofborrow Sou of John Loofborrow and Hannah his wife was 
Born June ye 6th 1692. 

Mary Loof boi row Daughter of John Loofborrow and Hannah his wile 
Boru Novr ye 5th 1694. 

Susanah Lume Deceased ye 16th of January 1669. 

Mary liockhart Daughter ot Gawen Lockhart and Mary his wife Deceased 
ye 21st of Septr 1690. 



336 WOODBRIDGE AND VICtNI lY. 

Eliz ibelb Lockhurt Daiiohter of GoAveu Locklurl and Mary his wife was 
Born February ye '24tb 1G!)1. 

James Lockhart Son ot Goweu Lockhart and i\fary his wife was Born 
July ye 17th 1093. 

Samuel Lockhart Son of Gowcn Lockhart and Mary liis wife Born April 
ye lOth 1700. 

Margret Lockhart D.iughter of Gowcn Lockhard and Mary his wife Born 
April ye 22Dd 1703. 

Ephraim Lockhart Son of Gowen Lockhart and Mary his wjfe Bora 
March ye 27lh 1705. 

Levi Lewis Si>a of Samuel Lewis and Siisinah his wife was Born Septem- 
ber ye loin 1706. 

These Maj^ Certify all Persons Concerned that James Leaith was Married 
to Ann French June ye 29th 1711. By Nathaniel Wade— Clerk. 

Margret Leaith Daughter ot James Leaith and Ami his wife was Boru 
Februarv ye Oib 171 ;>. 

M. 

Elizabeth Moore Daughter to Samuel Moore and Mary his wife Boru ye 
30th July miS. 

Samuel Moore Son of Samuel Moore and ]\Luy his wife Born ye olst day 
of March 1«70. 

Thomas Moore Son of Samuel Moore and Mary bis wife Born 3'e 26th of 
July 1672. 

JohH Moore Son to Samuel Moore and Mary his wife Born May ye 20th 
1674. 

James M oores Son to Mathew Moores and Sarah bis wife Horn March 
1669. 

John Moores Son to Mathew Moores and Sarah his wife Born August ye 
15th 1671. 

Samuel Moores S(m to ilalhew Moores and Sarah bis wife Born August 
ye 8rd 1673. 

Mary Morris and Ann Morris D.iughters to John Morris and Mary his wile 
Born ye 14th December 1676. 

Sarah Morris Daugiiter to John Morris and Maiy his wi(e Born ye 5th 
day of August 1678. 

John Morris Son to John Morris and Mary bis wife Born June ye 24th 
1680. 

Enock Moore and Frances Moore twins Son and Daughter to Samuel 
Moore and Mary his wife Born ye ord da}'' of June 1678. 

Sarah Moore Daughler to Samuel Moore a'jd Ann Ills wile Born ye 16th 
of September 1681. 

John Man Son of John Mux and Elizabeth his wife Born at Quinauicut 
Island the i;Ub of April 1688. 

Edward Man Sou to John Man aud Elizabeth bis wile Born January ye 
19th 1()89. 

Sarah Moores Daughter of William A[oorcs and Cliristian bis wife Boru 
ye 29tli ot August 1091. 






APPENDIX. 337 

• 

Mathew Moores Son of "William ^loores and Cliristian his wife Born ye 
30th of Octr 1692. 

Mary Moores Daughter to John Moores and Mary his wife Born January 
ye 12th 1694. 

Henry Man Son of John Man and Elizabeth his wile Born May ye 8th 
1692. 

John Manning Son of John Maning and Elizabeth his wife Born Decem- 
ber ye 25th 1693. 

This 3Iay Certify all Persons Concerned that Samuel Moore was Married 
to Sarah Higgins October ye 26th 1693. 

Before Me John Bishop — Justice. 

Jamss M )ore3 was Married to Margret Crage, October ye 31st 1693. 

By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Mathew Moores and Sarah Parker were Married November ye 25tli 1696. 

By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Samuel Moores Son of James Moores and Margret his wife was Born 
August ye 29ih 1694. 

Samuel Moore Son of Samuel Moore and Sarah his wife was Born August 
ye 23rd 1694. 

Mathew Moores Son of William Moores and Christian his wife Born 
May ye 11th 1694. 

James Moores Sou of James Moores and Margret his wife Born ye 3rd of 
August 1698. 

John Morris Married to Mary Small March ye 27th 1676. 

Samuel Moore and Ann Jaquish Married December ye 23rd 1678. 

This May Certify any whome it May Concern that William Moores was 
Married unto Christian AUward ye 24th of July 1690. 

Before Me John Bishop 

These May Certifj' any whome it j\Iay Concern that John Moores was 
Married unto ^lar}' Wright ye 26th Daj-- of December 1692. 

By j\[e John Bishop 

Ann Moores Daughter of William Moores and Christian his wife Born 
July ye 26th 1696. 

Ann Morris Daughter to John Morris and Maiy his wife Deceased ye 
30lh December 1676. 

Mary Morris Daughter to John Morris and Mary his wife Deceased ye 
Last of Febr 1676. 

Samuel Moores Deceased ye 27lh of M:iy 1688. 

Sarah Moores Daughter to Samuel Moores above mentioned Deceased 
this Life the 12th Day of January 1688. 

Melatiah Moores Daughter of Mathew ^loores and Sarah his wife Born ye 
24th of December 1697. 

Mary ]\[oore Daughter of Samuel Moore and Sarah his wife Born July ye 
17th 1699. 

Priscilla Moores Daughter of William Moores and Christian his wife was 
Born August ye 29lh 1698. 

V 



338 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

• 

Elizabeth Moores Daughter of Moores Bora Novr ye 6th|1701. 

Nehemiah Moores Son of Mathew Moores and Sarah his wife was Born 
January ye 8th 1699. 

Ann Moores Daughter of William Moores and Christian his wife was 
born July ye 20th 1096. 

John Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born October 
ye 28th 1700. 

Rachel Moore Daughter to Samuel Moore and Sarah his wife was Born 
May ye 26th 1701. 

Robert Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his vvife Born September 
ye 17th 1702. 

Thomas Moore was Married to Mary White December ye 25th 1699. 

By me John Bishop — Justice. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that John Moore was Married 
to Hope Robinds March j'e 18th 1699. By Me John Bishop — Justice. 

John Moore Son of John Moore and Hope his wife Born December ye 
3rd 1700, in ye Town of Freehold. 

Joseph Moore Son of John Moore and Hoiie his wife was Born October 
ye 5th 1703. 

Sarah Moore Daughter of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
March ye 8th 1702. 

Michael Moore Son of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
January ye 28th 1704. 

Mary Moore Daughter of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
August ye 8th 1707. 

Rachel Moore Daughter ot Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
January ye 7th 1709. 

Benjamin Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born March 
ye 19lh day 1704. 

Sarah Moores Daughter of John Moores and Mary his wile Born January 
ye 23rd 1708. 

Thomas Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born April 
ye 10th 1711. 

Samuel Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born ye 6th 
day of August ut one of ye Clock in ye Morning Anno: Domi: 1715. 

Samuel Moore Son of Thomas Jloore and Mary his wile was Born Septr 
ye 1st 1712. 

Hannah Moore Daughter of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
February ye 8th 1710. 

Jonathan Moore Son of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born April 
ye Ist 1718. 

Benjamin Moore Sob of John Moore and Hope his wife was Born 
October ye lOlh 1705, in Elizabeth Town. 

Enoch Moore Sou of John Moore and Hope his wife was Born ye 7th of 
December 1707. 

Samuel Moore Son of Joiin Moore and Hope his wife was Born April ye 
4th 1709. 



APPENDIX, 



339 



Daniel iMoore Son of John Moore and Hope his wife was Born August 
ye 24th 1711. 

Rachel Moore Daughter of John Moore and Hope Ins wife was Born 
October ye 15th 1713. 

John Moore was Married to Mary Oliver Novr j'e 21st 1717 

By Me John Bishop —Justice. 

Mary Moore D.iU!i;hter of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born Janu- 
ary ye 17th 1719. 

William Moore Son of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born Auf^ust 
ye 30th 1720. 

Hannah Moore Daughter of John Moore and Slary his wife was Born 
March ye 31st 1722. 

John Morehouse was Married to Susanah Ogden ye 17th Day of January 
1717. By Mr. Jonathan Dickeson— Minister. 

John Moore Son of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born May )'e 13tli 
1725. 

Deborah Moore Daughter of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
March ye S8th 1727. 

Sarah Moore Daughter of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born 
December ye 6th 1728. 

P. 

Sarah Peirce Daughter of Joshua Peirce ami Dorothy his wife Born ye 
18th D.iy of March 1688, the 5th D.iy of the week about Break of Day. 

Joshua Peirce the Son of Joshua Peirce Late Deceased and Dorothy his 
wife born ye 14th of Januar}'^ 1670. 

Samuel Parker Son to Elisha Parker and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 3rd 
of March 1609. 

Mary Parker Daughter to Elisha Parker and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 
3rd of December 1672. 

Samuel Parker Sou to Elisha Parker and Elizabeth his wife Born June 
ye 1st 1674. 

John Pike Son to John^Pike_and Sarah his wife Born ye 9th Day of April 
1677. 

Sarah Pike Daughter to Jq^JPike and Sarah his wife Born ye 15th of 
January 1679. 

Joseph Pike Son to John Pike and S.irah his wife Born October ye 18th 
1G80. ^""- 

John Pike Son to John Pike and Sarah his wife born ye 5th day of 
December 1681. 

Thomas Parker Son of Thomas Paiker and Mary his wife Born ye 9th 
Day of March 1682. 

Joseph Pike Son of John Pike and Sarah his wife Born ye 24th of October 
1083. • 

Elisha Parker Son of Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born ye 20th 
Day of August 1084 

Sarah Pike ye 2n(i was Born ye 17lh of October 1686. 



34° WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Mary Pike Daughter of John Pike and Sarali his wife Boin ye 9th of 
November 1687. 

Hannah Pike Daughter of John Pike and Sarah his wife Born ye 18th of 
December 1689. 

Thomas Pike Son of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Born ye SOtli of 
Septr 1690. 

Daniel Parker Son Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born ye 1st of May 
1676. 

Joseph Parker Son of Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born ye 18th of 
September 1690. 

Elizabeth Parker Daughter of Elisha Parker and Hannah his wife Born 
ye 23rd of December 1691. 

Nathaniel Pike Son of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Born ye 39th of 
May 1693. 

Joseph Pike Son of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Born April ye 30lh 
1694. 

Benjamin Son of Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born January ye 4th 
1693. 
Henry Potter Son of Marmeduke Potter and Mary his wife Born Septr 
■ ye 30th 1679. 

Elizabeth Potter Daughter of Marmeduke Potter and Mary his wife Bora 
May ye 13lh 1683. 

Martha Potter Daughter of Marmeduke Potter and Mary his wile Born 
June ye 4th 1693. 

Mary Potter Daughter of Marmeduke Potter and Mar}^ his wife Born 
August ye 10th 1690. 

Zebulon Pike Son of John Pike and Sarah his wife was Born ye 17th of 
August 1693. 

John Parker Son of Elisha Parker and Hannah his wife was Born 
Novemberye 17th 1693. 

John Price Son of Christopher Price and Hannah his wife was Born 
August ye 8th 1698. 

George Parker and Elizabeth Parker Son and Daughter to Thomas Parker 
and Mary his wife was Born March ye 30th 1695. 

Elizabeth Parker Daugliter of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was 
Born March ye 21=t 1698. 

Mary Parker Daughter of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born 
December ye 23nd 1703. 

Joseph Pike S(m of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Deceased May ye 
11th 1694. 

Ursula Parket Daughter of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born 
December ye 31st 1700. 

Tliese are to Make Known that there is an Intent of jMarrage Between 
Thomas Pike and Hester Buna Both of Woodbridge June yc 39th 1689. 

To Samuel Dennes Town Clerk of Woodbridge these May Imforme You 
that Thomas Pike and Hester Bunn Came Before Me and were Married 
According to Law, August ye 14th 1689. John Bishop— Justice. 



APPENDIX. 



341 



Thomas Pike was Married to Elizabeth Parker ye 2oth of January 168G. 

By Me Archbalcl Ridall. 

Marmarduke Potter was Married to Mary Bingla November ye 8tli 1677. 

Hannah Parker wife to Elisha Parker Departed this Life October ye 14th 
169G. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Elisha Parker was 
Married to Ursula Crage the 27th of Septr 1697. 

By Me John Bishop — Justice. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Thomas Pike was Married 
to Mary Phillips June ye 30th 1699. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Elizabeth Pike wife of Thomas Departed this Life ye 12th September 
1688. 

Hester Pike wife to Thomas Pike Deceased December ye 7th 1694. 

Samuel Parker Departed this Life ye 27th December 1672. 
'■""- John Pike Sun of John Pike and Sarah his wife Deceased ye 14th Day of 
May 1677. 

Joseph Pike Son of John Pike and Sarah his wife Deceased the 28th 
December 16S0. 

Sarah Pike Daughter to John Pike and Sarah his wife Deceased je 17th 
Day of December 1681. 

Katherine Powell wife to Richard Powell Deceased May ye 16th 1689. 

Elizabeth Parker Daughter of Elisha Parker and Hannah his wife Died 
March ye 13th 1691. 

John Pike and Sarah Stout Married at Middletown February ye 2nd 1675. 

Marmeduke Potter and Mary Bingla Married November ye 25th 1677. 

Richard Powell and Elizabeth Thorp widow and Relick of Thomas 
Thorp Deceased Married December ye 4th 1689. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Elisha Parker was ^Married 
to Hannah Rolph j^e 26th Day of March 1691. 
By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. 

Entered By Me Jany ye 8th 1691. 

Samuel Dennes, 

Town Clerk. 

John Pitney Son of James Pitney and Sarah his wife Born on Saturday 
Sun two Hours High in February or March in ye Year 1700. 

Jacob Peatt ye Son of Rene Peatt Born ye Last of October 1678. 

Elisha Parker Son of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born 
November ye 2oth 1704. 

John Pangburn Sun of Edmund Pangburn and Lydia his wife was Born 
Septr ye 25th IV 10. 

Deborah Perry Daughter of Thomas Perry and Elizabeth his wile was 
Born ye 9ili Diiy of August 1738. 

Samuel Pitney Son of James Pitney and Susanah his wife was Born ye 
9th of March in the Year 1718. 

Jonathan Pitney Son of James Pilney and Susanah his wife was Born 
July ye 17th 1721. 



342 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

John Priched Son of John Priclied and Mary his wife was Born January 
ye 22nd 1712, in Woodbridge. Entered By Me Moses Rolph— Clerk. 

Nathaniel Pike was Married to Grace Turnbull ye 23rd of July 1715. 

By Thomas Pike — Justice. 

Thomas Pike Son of JSTathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was Born July ye 
14th 1716. 

Mary Pike Daughter of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was Born 
March ye 28th 1718. 

William Pike Son of Nathaniel Pike and Gi'ace his wife was Born Septr 
ye 5th 1722. 

Nathaniel Pike Son of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was Born July 
ye 30th 1725. 

Hester Pike Daughter of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wile was Born 
June ye 2nd 1727. 

Joseph Pike was Married to Elizabeth Frazee December ye 27th 1716. 

' By Moses Rolph — Justice. 

John Pike Sou of Joiseph Pike and Elizabeth his wife was Born January 
ye 4th 1718. 

Timothy Pike Son of Joseph Pike and Eiizabtth his wife was Born April 
ye 3rd 1720. 

Sarah Pike Daughter of Joseph Pike and Elizabeth his wife was Boru 
July ye 29lh 1722. 

Elizabeth Piko Daughter of Joseph Pike and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
Born April ye 23rd 1725. 

Ichabod Potter and Polly Compyon were ]\Iariied the 14th of April 1790. 

Sally Randolph Potter Daughter of the above Said I^habod Potter and 
Polly his wife was born February thi; 19th 1791. 

Nancy Potter Daughter of the above Said Ichabod and Polly Potter was 
Born the 2ath of July 1793. 

Francis Compyon Potter Son of Ichabod Potter and Polly his wife was 
Born the 27th June 1795. 

Jane Potter Daughter of Ichabod Potter and Polly his wife was Born the 
12th of April 1797. 

Edward Crowell Potter Son of Ichabod and Polly Potter was Born May 
the 26th 1799. 

R. 

Lydia Robinds Daughter to Danic'l Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 
25th of July 1668. 

Joseph Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wile Born March ye 
27th 1670. 

Richard Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born Febru- 
ary ye 14th 1673. 

Hope Robinds Daughter to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Boru July 
ye 15 1 h 1674. 

Nathaniel Robinds Son of Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born yc 
22nd of March 1675. 



APPENDIX. 343 

Ro' ert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Born ye 20lh Day 
of November 1(170. 

Thomas Rogers Son of Robert Rogers and Ann bis wife Born OctoUer ye 
17th 1677. 

Moses Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 27lh of 
March 1079. 

Robert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Born ye 14th of 
February 1071). 

Hope Robinds Daughter to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born 
December ye 10th 1081. 

Aaron Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 34th 
Day of May 1683. 

Benjamin Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 15th 
Day of June 1080. 

Sarah Ivolph Daughter of John Rolph and Sarah his wife Born November 
ye 27th 1089. 

John Rolpli was Married to Sarah Moorcs July ye 18th 1088. 

Tliese May Certify any Concerned that Richard Robinds was Married 
unto Hannah Moores ye 20lh of October 1693. Before Jle John Bishop. 

Robert Rogers and Ann Alward Married ye 28th of November 1075. 

November ye 27th 1076. 

This May Certify any whome it May Concern that Daniel Robinds was 
Married unto Mary Parker ye 27th Day of November 1691. 

Before Me John Bishop 

Hope Robinds Daughter to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Departed 
this Life ]\Iarch ye ^rd 1674. 

Robert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Deceased Decem- 
ber ye 18ih 1076. 

Robert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Died ye 28th 
of July 1679. 

Sarah Rolph wife to John Rolph December ye 4th 1689. 

Sarah Rolph Daughter to John Rolph and Sarah his wife Deceased 
December ye 23rd 1089. 

Mary Robinds wife of Daniel Robinds Juur Deceased ye 5th of October 
1692. 

Joseph Robinds bis Publication for Marriage with Anna Pack Dated 
April ye 22nd 1092. 

Richard Robinds his Publication for Marriage with Hannah Moores Dated 
ye 34th of September 1092. 

Joseph Robinds was Married to Anna Pack June ye 8th 1093. 

Elizabeth Robison Daughter of John Robison and Susanah his wife was 
Born August ye 1098. 

John Robison Sou of John Robison and Jennet his wife Born yo 11th of 
August 1690. 

Daniel Robinds Son of Daniel Robinds and Mary his wife Born October 
ye 5th 1692. 



34 t WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. , ^ 

Anna Robiuds Daughter of Joseph Robinds and Anaa his "wife Born 
Felraaiy ye Stli 1692. 

Andrew Robison Son of John Robison and Jennet his wife Born j'^e 15th 
of July 1693. 

Jonathan Robinds Son of Daniel Robinds and Mary his wife Born 
December ye 23rd 1694. 

John Robinds Sou of Daniel Robinds and Mary his wife Born February 
ye 24ai 1695. 

Meribah Robiuds Daughter of Richard Robinds and Hannah his wife 
Born April ye 13tli 1693. 

John Robison was Married to Susanah Collier Novpmber ye 17th 1697. 

John Robison Son of John Robison and Susanah his wife was Born June 
ye 22nd 1701. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Moses Rolph was Married 
to Mary liiggens June ye 4th 1702. By Me John Bishop — Justice. {Note : 
This Moses Rolph was a son-in-law of Sam'l. Hale. See Liber A., p. 309. 
Mary Higgens was probably a widow.) 

Samuel Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and i\Iary his wife was Bom February 
ye 13 th 1703. 

Elizabeth Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born 
August ye 9th 1705. 

Eastei Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born 
April ye 12th 1707. 

Apphiah Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born 
January ye Gth 1708. 

Richard Rolpli ye Son of Closes Rolph and Islnyy his wife was Bora May 
ye 12lh 1710. 

Richard Rolph Son of IMoses Rolph and Mary his wife Died September ye 
7th 1711. 

Nathaniel Rolph Son of JIoscs Rolph and Mary his wife was Born 
September ye 15th 1712. 

Jonathan Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born August 
ye 80th 1714. 

Richard Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born August 
ye 1st 1717, and Died the 13th October 1719. 

Tliese May Certify all Persons Concerned that Benjamin Rolph was Mar. 
ried to Margret Holion December j'e 2nd 1703. 

By Me John Bishop— Justice. 

Rebeckah Rolph Daugliter to Benjamin Rolph and Margrct his wife was 
Bora September 3'e 26th 1704. 

Benjamin Rolph Son of Benjamin Rolph and Margret his wife was Born 
January ye 1st 1106. 

Martha Rumworth Daughter of John Rumworth and Sarah his wife was 
Born ye 31st of December 1711. 

Mary Rogers Daughter of William Rogers and Elizabeth Rogers his wife 
T?as Born the 12th Day of March 1714. 



APPENDIX. 345 

Robert Rolph Son of Moses RolpL and Mary his -wife was Born ye 18th of 
May 1719. 

Sarah Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born ye 
4th of April Anno. Domi: 1721. 

Henry Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born June ye 

2Glh 1728. 

S, 

Easter Smith wife of Samuel Smith Deceased the 14th Day of August 
1G90. 

Mary Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Elizabeth his wife Deceased 
December ye 5th 1690. 

Elizabeth Smith wife to Richard Smith Junr Deceased January ye 14th 
1690. 

William Spence Son of William Spence and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
May ye 12th 1703. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Richard Smith was 
Married to Rebeckah Scatown July ye 27th 1693. 

By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

These May Certify all Pei-sons Concerned that William Stone was Married 
to Margret Dix August ye 18th 1696. 

These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Samuel Smith was Married 
to Elizabeth Peirce June ye 8th 1692. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Sarah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith Born September ye 8th 1704. 

Moses Smith Son of Thomas Smith and Deborah his wife was Born 
/.ugust ye 25th 1701. 

Joanna Shepard Daughter of Mr. Samuel Shepard and Alice his wife was 
Born December ye 20th 1701. 

Susanah Smith Daughter of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth his wife was 
Born September ye 27th 1699. 

George Speedwell Son of John Speedwell Born January ye loth 1685. 

Hannah Speedwell Daughter of John Speedwell Born January ye loth 
1688. 

Elizabeth Smith Daughter of Samuel Smith and Easter his wife was Born 
ye 15th Day of August 1681. 

Samuel Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Easter his wife was Born ye 18th 
Day of April 1685. 

Benjamin Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Etister his wife Born ye 28th 
of January 1687. 

Elizabeth Smith wife of Richard Smith was Delivered of two Daughters 
ye 25th of November 1690, their Names Called Mary and Elizabeth. 
- William Sharp was Published for Marriage with Mary Smith Januar}' ye 
23rd 1688. " 

William Sharp had his Certifycate for Marriage Febr 13th 1688. 

Hannah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife was 
Born November ye 9tii 1697. 

Amme Shippie Daughter of John Shippie and Susanah his wife Born May 
ye 26th 1703. 



34^ WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Sarah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife Born 
December ye 24lh 1693. 

Richard Smith Sou of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
October ye 4th 1695. 

Deborah Smith Daughter of Thomas Smith and Deborah his wife was 
Born ye 27th of August 1695. 

Mary Stone Daughter of William Stone and IMargret his wife was Born 
August ye 6th 1697. 

Hannah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeclcah Ms wife Born 
November ye 9 th 1697. 

Thomas Smith Son of Thomas Smith was Born ye 17th of November 
1697. 

Dorothy Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife Born 
April ye 13th 1699. 

Mary Salyars Daughter of Charles Salyars and Mary his wife Born Octo- 
ber ye 17th 1695. 

Shubal Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
January ye 2nd 1692. 

Joseph Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth his wife was Born 
Iklarch ye 9th 1695. 

The Said Joseph Smith Deceased Septr ye 22ad 1704. 

Mary Shippey Daughter of John Shippey and Judeth his wife Born 
August ye 21st 1697. 

Siisanah Smith Daughter of Thomas Smitli and Deborah bis wife was 
Born August ye 25lh 1099. 

Susanah Smith Daughter of Ichabod Smith and Hannah his wife was 
Born March ye 19th 1698. 

Nathan Smith Son of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
March ye 18th 1708. 

Joseph Salyer Son of Charles Salyer and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
January ye 6th 1719. 

Johanah Salyer Daughter of Charles Salyer and Rebeckah his wife was 
Born in North Carolina January ye 23nd 1724. 

Samuel Sulycr Son of Charles and Rebeckah Salyer was Born in North 
Carolina February ye 23rd 1726. 

Zacheriah Salyer Son of Charles Salyer and Rebecliah his wife was Born 
Jany ye 24th 1730. 

Jeremiah Salyer Son of Charles Salyer and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
April ye 6th 1732. 

Hugh Hamilton Smith Son of Thomas and Phebe was Born September 

4th 1814. 

T. 

Isaac Tappin Son to Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 20th of 
Septr 1673. 

Mary Tappin Daughter to Abraham Tappin and Ruth his wife Born ye 
25th Day of Octr 1674. 



y 



APPENDIX, 347 

Elizabeth Tappen Daughter of Isaac Tappen and Hannah his wife Born 
ye 26th of January 1676. 

William Thornell Son of Israel Thornell and Annah Lis wife Born ye 24th 
of December 1676. 

Mary Taylor Daughter to John Taylor and Sarah his wife Born ye 27th 
Day of January 1676. 

Elizabeth Tlaornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Annah his wife Born 
ye 5th Day of March 1678. 

Hannah T;ippin Daughter to Abraham Tappin and Ruth his wife Born 
ye 14th April 1677. 

Isaac Tappin Son of Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 12th Day 
of June 1678. 

Ruth Taylor Daughter to John Taylor and Sarah his wife Born ye 25th of 
December 1678. 

Israel Thornell Son to Israel Thornell and Hannah his wife Born ye 3rd 
Day ol November 1679. 

David Tappin S(m to Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 2nd 
Day of November 1680. 

Elizabeth Tbornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Annah his wife Born 
ye 5th Day of March 1681. 

John Tappin Son to Isaac Tappen and Hannah his wife Born ye 16th 
Day of ^larcli 1682. 

Joseph Thornell Son of Israel Thorne]! and Hannah his wife Born ye IG 
daj' of January 1683. 

Joannali Thornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Hannah his wife Born 
ye 25th Day of February 1684. 

Hannah Tappin Daughter to Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 
23rd Day of December 1686. 

Benjamia Thornell Son to Israel Tiiornell and Hannah his wife Born ye 
19 th Day of March 1687. 

Mary Tappin Daughter of Isaac Tappin and 3Iary his wife Born Novem- 
ber ye 17th 1693. 

Abigal Thorpe Daughter of Daniel Thorp and Abigal his wife Born May 
ye 30th 1693. 

AUice Thorpe Daughter of Daniel Thorpe and Abigal his wife Born April 
ye 29th 1694. 

Elizabeth Town Septr ye 7th 1692. 

These Certify that the Day and Year above said Daniel Thorpe of Wood- 
bridge and Abigal Norrige of Elizabeth Town were Joyned together in Holy 
Wedlock. Pr Me Jobn Harumo. 

Stephen Tutle of Woodbridge was Married to Ruth Fitz Randolph of the 
Same Town Septr ye 12th 1695. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. 

Rebeckah Thorpe Daughter of William Thorpe and Lydia his wife Born 
March the 31st 1688. 

Lydia Thorpe Daughter of William Thorpe Born January ye 22nd 1690. 

William Thorp Son of William Thorp Born April ye 25th 1692. 



348 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Isaac Tappin Married to Hannah Kent ye 29th September 1669. 

Abraham Tappin and Ruth Pike Married ye 9th Day of November 1670. 

Isaac Tappin was Married to Mary March ye 27th of March 1691. 

By Me Samuel Hale. 

To all Persons that May Be Concerned Know ye that John Tailler was 
Married to Mary Murlet widow December ye 7th 1685. 

By Me Samuel Hale 

Elizabeth Thornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Hannah his wife 
Deceased ye 23rd of Septr 1681. 

Benjamin Tappin Son of Isaac Tappin and Mary his wife Born ye 23rd of 
July and Deceased ye 14th of August 1692. 

Hannah Tappin wife to Isaac Tappin Died ye lOlh of December 1689. 

Abraham Tappin Son of Isaac Tappin and Mary his wife Born ye 18th of 
May 1695. 

Timothy Tutle Son of Stephen Tutle and Ruth his wife was Born 
October ye 16th 1696. 

Thomas Thorp Son of William Thorp and Lydia his wife Burn October 
ye 18th 1695. 

Daniel Thorp Son of Daniel Thorp and Abigal his wife w^as Born Febru- 
ary ye 1st 1702. 

Paul Thorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born April 
ye 4th 1704. 

Mary Thorp Daughter of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife Born April 
ye 6th 1706. 

Caleb TJiorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born April 
ye 25th 1711. 

AVilliam Thornell Son of Israel Thornell Deceased Octr ye 31st 1702. 

Rebeckah Thorp Daughter of Daniel Thorp and Abigal Born July ye 9th 
1704. 

Zebulon Thorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born ye 
25th of August 1707. 

Jonathan Tliorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born in 
June ye 9th Day in ye Year 1717. 

Caleb Tliorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife Departed this 
Life Novr ye 1st 1719. 

Joseph Thorp Son of ye above said Joseph and Hannah his wife Departed 
this Life August ye 14th 1718. Aged 22 years. 

Bathsheba Thorp Daughter of William Thorp and Lydia his wife was 
Born Octr ye 7th 1705. 

Mary Tborp Daughter of William Thorp and Lydia his wife was Born 
June ye 26th 1716. 

Joseph Thornell was Married to Elizabeth Allen August ye 20th 1711. 

By Me Nathaniel Wade 

Robert Thornell Son of Joseph Thornell and Elizabeth his wile was Born 
May ye 20th 1712. 

Elizabeth Thornell Daughter of Joseph Thornell and Elizabeth his wife 
was Born October ye 8th 1714. 



APPENDIX. 



349 



Thomas Tranerry Son of Thomas Tranerry and Mary his wife was Born 
ye 14th Day of December 1713. 

Job Thorp was Married to IMary Wright April ye 23rd 1741. 

Joseph Thorp Son of Job Thorp and Mary his wife was Born February 
ye 31st 1742. 

Ichabod Thorp Son of Job and Mary Thorp was Born September ye 18th 
1743. 

David Son of Job and Mary Thorp was Born April ye 11th 1746. 

Paul Son of Job and Mary Thorp was Born May ye 21st 1748. 

W. 

John Worth Son to Richard Worth and Mary his wife Born May ye 10th 
1660. 

Judith Worth Daughter to Richard Worth and Mary his wife Born ye 18th 
of March 1670. 

Joseph Worth Son to Richard and Mary his wife Born March ye 22nd 
1673. 

Jonathan Wallier Son of Francis Walker and Ann his wife Born ye 14th 
Day of October 1684. 

David Wallier Son of Francis Walker and Ann his wife Born ye 18th Day 
of October 1686. 

Mary Webster Daughter to William Webster and Mary his wife was Born 
ye 31st of July 1690. 

Hannah Webster Daughter of William Webster and Mary his wife Born 
ye 18th of September 1693. 

Ann Walker Daughter of Francis and Ann his wife was Born September 
1688. 

Francis Walker Son of Francis Walker and Ann his wife was Born ye 9th 
day of Octr 1693. 

William Webster Son of William Webster and Mary his wife Born 
January ye 19th 1693. 

Moses Webster Sou of William and Mary his wife Born October ye 5th 
1694. 

Sarah Webster Daughter of William Webster and Mary his wife Born 
June ye 24th 1695. 

^lary White Daughter of Michael White and Mary his wife Born Febru- 
ary ye 18th 1684. 

Martha Walker Daughter of Francis Walker and Ann his wife Born 
September ye 10th 1696. 

Sarah Wood Daughter of William Wood and Grace his wife Born Sep- 
tember ye 21st 1695. 

Elias Walker Son of Isaac Walker and Desire his wife Born April ye 3rd 
1693. 

John Wilconson Son of Edward Wilconsoei Born ye 15th of February 
1685. 

Allen Wilconson Son of Edward Wilconson Above said Born ye 2ud of 
June 1687. 



35° 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



David Walker Son of Jonathan Walker and Pennelope his -wife was Bora 
September ye 17th 1704. 

Allen Wilkison Son to John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
September ye 22nd 1709. 

Thomas Wilkison Son of John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
February ye 16th 1711. 

Moses Wilkison Son of John AVili'ison and Rebeckah his wife was Born 
November ye 22nd 1712. 

Patience Wilkison Daughter of John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife 
was Born August ye 7th 1714. 

Aaron Wilkison Son of John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife Born Octr 
ye 24th 1716. 

Hannah Wright Daughter of Robert Wright and Hannah his wife was 
Born August ye 2nd 1701 about 2 of ye Clock in ye Morning. 

Ann Wright Daughter of Robert Wright and Hannah his wife was Born 
August ye 2oth 1703, about 3 of the Clock in ye Morning. 

Desire Worth Daughter of John Worth and Jane his wife was Born Feb- 
ruary ye 6lh 1707. 

Elizabeth Worth Daughter of John Worth and Jane his wife was Born 
September ye 10th 1709. 

Benjamin Worth Son of John Worth Departed this Life !5Iarch ye 12th 
1707. " 

Abner Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born 
December ye 3rd 1703. 

Nathan Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born 
in September yc 1705. 

Jeremiah Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife Born Febru- 
ary ye 3rd 1707. 

Mary Worth Daughter of John Worth and Jane his wife was Born April 
ye 28th 1711. 

Moses Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born Octr 
ye 22nd 1710. 

Mary Wright Daughter of Richard and Sarah his wife was Born May ye 
31st 1714. 

Richard Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born 
Februarj' ye 29th 1716. 

David Son of Richard and Sarah Wright was Born February ye 28th 1721. 



APPEI^DIX F. 



LIST OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND PEATHS IN LFBER B. 

Note: Nearlj* all in this record are Births; but a few Marriages and 
Deaths' are to be found in these pages. We give the list verbatim, just as 
we find it written in Liber B. 

A. 

John Ayers was married to Mary Creshon January ye 17th 171G 

by Moses Rolj)!!— Justice 
John Ayers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife was born June ye 
fourth 1719. 

B. 

Alexander Black was married to Ursula Brown. 

James Johnson Black Son of Alexander and Ursulia Black was born 
July 17th 17G6. 

Foreman Black Son of Alexander and Ursulia Black was born May ye 
29 Ih 1768. 

Jane ye Daughter of Alexander and Ursulia Black was Born July ye 26th 
1770. 

Alexander ye Son of Alexander and Ursulia Black was Born Sept ye 9th 
1773. 

Eunis Bunn Daughter of ]\Iiles Buun and Mary his wife was born Novem- 
ber the 20th 1703. 

Mary Bunn Daughter of JMiles Bunn and Mary his wife was born Novem- 
ber ye 17th 1705. 

Sarah Bunn Daughter of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born June 
the 4th 1709. 

Rhoda Bunn Daughter of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born August 
ye fourth 1712. 

Miles Bunn Son of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born November ye 
25th 1713. 

Nathaniel Bunn Son of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born February 
ye 13th 1715. 

William Buun Son of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born June ye 
Uth 1721. 

Jeremiah Bloomfield was Married to Cathrine Weeks January 8th 1722. 

By John Peirson — Clerk. 

Ezekiel Bloomfield Son of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his wife was 
born October 16th 1723. 

Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his 
wife was born December 9!h 1725. 



352 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Ebenezer Bloomfield Son of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Catbriue his wife 
was born Feb 5th 1737. 

Jeremiah Bloomfield Son of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his wife 
was born December 7th 1730. 

Eunice Bloomfield Daughter of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his 
wife was born July ye 25th 1733. 

^ Ursula Daughter of Jeremiah and Katharine Bloomfield born ye 11th day 
of April xVnno. Dom 1737. 
J Joseph Bloomfield was married to Unis Dunham Sept 5th 1721. 

by Mr John Peirson — Clerk. 

Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Joseph Bloomfield was born November 
13th 1722, and Died in February following. 

Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Joseph Bloomfield and Uniee his wife 
was born June 12th 1724. 

Martha Bloomfield Daughter of Joseph Bloomfield and Unicehis wife was 
born July 2G.th 1726. 

Moses Bloomfield Son of Joseph Bloomfield and Eunice his wife was born 
Sept ye 4th 1729. 

Asa Bloomfield Son of Joseph Bloomfield and Eunice his wife was born 
Oct ye 25th 1733. 

James Brown Son of Andrew Brown and Sarah his wife was born January 
ye 13th 1731. 

Joseph Brown Son of Andrew Brown and Sarah his wife was born ye 29th 
of December 1733. 

Anable Brown Daughter of Andrew Brown and Sarah his wife was born 
August ye 28th 1735. 

John Bingla Son of William Biugla and Mary his wife was born Deer ye 
25th 1720. 

"William Bingla Son of Wm Bingla and Mary his wife was born Deer ye 
8th 1723. 

Eunice Daughter of Andrew and Sarah Brown was born ye 15th of 
November 1738. 

George Brown Sou of James and Agnes Brown born Deer, ye 20th 1724. 

Thomas Son of ye Said James and Agnes Brown born February ye 14th 
1726. 

Agnes Daughter of ye aforesaid James and Agnes Brown was born August 
ye 29 th 1730. 

Christian Daughter of ye Said James and Agnes Brown born Deer ye 10th 
1733. 

John Son of yc Said James and Agnes Brown born February ye 2ord 1735. 

Ursula Daughter of ye Said James and Agnes Brown was born February 
ye 21st 1737. 

Mary Daughter of Jeremiah and Katharine Bloomfield was Born yc 17th 
day of March 1739. 

Gordon Brown Son of Andrew and Sarah Brown was born ye 20lh day 
of March 1739. 



' APPENDIX. 353 

Katharine Daughter of Jeremiah and Katharine Bloanifield was born ye 
20th day of April 1743. 

William Son of Andrew and Sarah Brown was born April ye 20th 1742. 

George Son of ye Said Andrew and Sarah Brown was born July ye 27th 
1745. 

C. 

John Campyou was Harried to Martha Walker January ye 12th 1719. 

By Mr. John Peirson. Minister. 
Joannah Campyon Daughter of ye above Said John Oampyon and Martha 
his wife was born April ye 8th 1723. 

Francis Campyou Son of ye above Said John Campyon and Martha his 
wife was born Marcli ye 4th 1725'. 

Ann Campyon Daughter of John Campyou and Martiia his wife was 
born July ye 6th 1730. 

Eliakim Compton and Rachel Corapton Son and Daughter of John and 
Mary Compton was born Sept ye 1st 1727. 

Elizabeth Daughter of John and Mary Compton was born April ye 12tU 
1735. 
, Daniel Son of John and Mary Compton was born July ye 31st 1738. 

D. 
Jonathan Dilley Son ot Jonathan Dilley and Hannah his wife was born 
the 2nd day of Sept 1714. 

John Dilley Son of Jonathan Dille}" and Hannah his wife was born ye 7th 
of March Anno Dom 1717. 

Aaron Dilley Son of Jonathan Dilley and Hannah his wife was bora 
August 28th Anno. Dom 1721. 

Sarah Dilley Daughter of Jonathan DiUey and Hannah his wife Wf.s born 
Sept 2ud 1723. 

Ephvaim Donham Son of Nathaniel Donham and Johanna his wife was 
born November ye 17th 1724. 

F. 

Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was Married to Mary Broocks By Ezekiel 
Bloomtield Esq in ye year 1735. 

Robert Fitz Randolph Son of Nathaniel F. Randolph and Mary Fitz 
Randolph was Born the 25th Day of Sept 1737. 

Hannah Fitz Randolph was born ye 29th of Octobei 1739. 

Thomas F. Randolph was born ye 21st of Deer 17jll. 

Hannah Fitz Randolph Departed this Life ye 26ih June 1742. 

JIary Fitz Randolph and Mother to the above mentioned Children 
Departed this Life the 12th of July in ye year 1743. 

Robert Fitz Randolph was Married to Phebe Pearsall the 7th Day of 
March 17 

Samuel F. Randolph Son of the above Named Robert and Phebe P. Ran- 
dolph was Born the 1st Day of Deer in the year of our Lord 1708. 

Mercy F. Randolph Daughter of ye above was Born the 5th of May in the 
vea;- v'/.''. 



354 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. , 

Mary F. Randolph Daughter of ye above was Born the 19th Day of Feb- 
ruary In ye year 1775. 

Joseph Fitz Randolph Son of the above Robert and Phebe Fitz Randolph 
was Born the 8th Day of January in the year of our Ijord 1781. 

The above Joseph was born on Staten Island. 

Mary Fitz Randolph Daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Mary his 
■wife was born the 4th of July 1721. 

Rachel Fitz Randolph Daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Mary 
his wife was born the 13th of April 1723. 

David Fitz Randolph Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Mary his wife 
was born the 7th Day of March Anno. Dom 1724. 

H. 

Tobias Hatch was Married ye 31st Day of October to Sarah Cromwell 

By me John Peirson in ye year 1717. 

Joseph Hatch Son of Tobias Hatch and Sarah his wife was Born Novem- 
ber ye 22nd 1718. 

Elizabeth Hatch Daughter of Tobias Hatch and Sarah his wife was Born 
ye 30th of March in ye year 1721. 

John Hatch was Born April ye 22nd 1723. 

I. 

William Ileslee was married to Mary Aj^ers June 18th 1700, 

by Samuel Hale — Justice. 
Hannah Ileslee Daughter of William Ileslee and Mary his wife was bora 

June ye 18th 1701. 

M. 

Samuel Moore was married to Mary Harrison June 2nd 1718. 

by Thomas Yates — Justice of the Peace. 

Jonathan Moore Son of the above Said Samuel Moore and Mary his wife 
was born February ye 18th 1720. 

John Moore Son of Said Samuel Moore and Mary his wife was bora 
February 24th 1722. 

Sarah Moore Daughter of Said Samuel Moore and Marj' his wife was born 
March 24lh 1724, and Died the 22ud of March 1725. 

Samuel Moore Son of Said Samuel Moore and Mary his wife was born 
June 18th 1720. 

Joseph Moore Son of Samuel Moore (Carpenter) and Mary his wife was 
born January ye 9th 1731. 

Edward Moore Son ©f ye above Said Samuel Moore Carpenter and Mary 
bis wife was born Novr. ye 0th 1733. 

Sarah Moore Daughter of ye aforesaid Samuel Moore Carpenter and 
Mary hia wife was born July ye 31st 1735. 

Joseph Morry Son of Ebenezar and Mary Morry was born October ye 2nd 
1731. 

Anna Daughter of Ebenezar and Mary Morry was born ye 27th day of 
May Anno Dom 1738, 



APPENDIX. 355; 

Marion Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 31st day of 
October 1735. 

Annapel Daughter of ye Said Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 
3rd day of March 1736.- *? 

John Son of ye aforesaid Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 15th 
day of November 1738. 

Isaac Moore Son of Samuel and Mary Moore born ye 10th day July Anno. 
Dom 1737. 

John Son of Samuel and Mary Moore was born ye 11th day of May 1739. 

Phcbe Daughter of Ebeaczar and Mary Morry was born ye 27th day of 
May 1741. 

Job Son of Ebenczar and Mary Morry was born ye 8th day of October 
1743. 

Mary Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 3rd day ot 
October 1740. 

Hope Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 3rd day of: 
February 1743. 

John Ogilsbie was married to Damaris Force, January 13th day 1784. 

By Jonathan Bloomfield — Justice. 
P. 

Rachel Prise Daughter of John Prise and Mary his wife was born AugusS 
ye 17th 1719. 

Jonathan Pitney and Susanah his wife was born the 17th Day of July 
Anno Dom 1721. 

James Presmell Son of Robert Presmell and Margaret his wife was born 
ye28thday ofMay 1729. 

Nathaniel Pike Son of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was born Sept 
ye nth 1719. 

Thomas Pike was married to Elizabeth Bloomfield ye 8th day of Septem- 
ber 1737. 

Mary Daughter of ye afore said Thomas and Elizabeth Pike was born ye 
14thday of August 1738. 

Grace Daughter of ye above said Thomas and Elizabeth Pike was bora 
ye 21st of November 1740. 

R. 

Kezia Rude Daughter of Job Rude and Hannah his wife was born ye 4tli 
of May 1718. 

S. 

Samuel Sarjant Son of John Sarjant and Sissel his wife was born Sept ye- 
1st about half an hour past One in ye afternoon 1727. And ye Said Joha 
and Sissel were Married on ye 24th of November 1720. 

by ye Reverend Mr. John Peirson. 

Sarah Sarjant born ye IGth of January Anno. Domini 1729. Daughter 
of John and Sissel Sarjant. 

Robert Sarjant Born April 4th Anno. Dom 1732. 



356 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

Margaret Sarjant born June tlie 23nd 1734. 

Jane Stewart Daughter of David and Christian Stewart was born January 
ye 23rd 1728. 

Ursula Daughter of David and Christian Stewart was born March ye 14th 
1730. 

John Skincr was married to Elizabeth Cutter March ye 2Gth 1736. 

Ann Daughter of John and Elizabeth Skiner was born Deer ye 36th 
1736. 

Hannah Daughter of the above said John and Elizabeth Skiner was 
born February ye 2nd 1742. 

Easter Daughter of ye above said John and Elizabeth Skiner was born 
April ye 1st 1744. 

Elizabeth Daughter of ye above Said John and Elizabeth Skiner was 
born April ye 29th 1746. 

T. 

Abraham Tajipen was Married to Mary Stone February ye 6th 1718. 

by Robert Gilchrist— Justice. 
Sarah Tappen Daughter of Abraham Tappen and Mary his wife was born 
November ye 2Gth 1719. 

Isaac Son ot Abraham and Mary Tappen was born ye 8th day of Sep- 
tember 1721. 

Benjamin and Elizabeth Son and Daughter of ye above Said Abraham 
and Mar}'^ Tappen was born January ye 15th 1723. 

Abraham Son of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was bora 
January ye 12th 1725. 

William Son of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was born Jan- 
uary ye oth 1729. 

Mary Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru 
July ye 25th 1727. 

Hannah Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru 
July ye 9th 1732. 

Cecilia Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru 
January ye 21st 1734. 

Asher and Moses Sons of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was 
born February ye 1st 1737. 

Margaret Daughter oi ye above said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru 
June ye 7th 1740. 

ye above Said Abraham Tappen was Married to Sarah Renolds November 
ye 22nd 1750. 

Isabel Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Sarah Tappen was bora 
April ye 1st 1752. 

Jacob Son of ye above Slid Abraham aud Sarah Tappen was bora 
November ve IGlh 1753. 

W. 

James Wilkison was Married to Mary Dunham December ye 16th 1726, 

by John Peirson — Clerk. 



APPENDIX, 



357 



Sarah Wilkison Daughter of James Wilkison aud Miiry his wife was boru 
December the 28th 1727. 

John Williams Son of Ebenezar Williams and Sarah his wife was bora 
July ye 10th 1732. 

Thomas Wilkison was Married to Hannah Crowell March ye 31st 1739. 

by Henry Freeman Esq. 

John Son of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was born ye 
12th day of February 1740. 

Crcwell Son of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was born ye 
9thday of July 1741. 

Moses Son of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was boru ye 
lOlh day of March 1742. 

Hannah Daughter of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was 
born ye 26th day of August 1744. 



APPEI^DIX a. 



QUAKER LIST OF MARRIAGES: 

Embracing only those names belonging to Woodbridge and vicinity ; taken 
from the ancient Quaker Records. 



PARTIES MARRIED. 



RESIDENCE. 



TIME AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE. 



A. I 

Atkinson John and 

Susannah Hadden. 

Ailing, Samuel and | 

Martha Shot well. 

B. 

Bloodgood, Wm. and 

Mary Gach. 
Brook, Charles and Woodbridge 

Ann Shotwell. Elizabeth 

Burling, TLomas and {New York 

Sarah Shotwell. jWoodbridge 

Burdsall, Job ifc Woodbridge 

Hannah "Webster. Woodbridge 

Bowne, Robert H. & INew York 

Sarah Hartshorn. | 

Brotherton, Henry & jWoodbridge 

Ann Shotwell. 'RicLm'd co. N.Y. 



.1737. 



.1728. 



1726-7. 

38th of 8th Mo. at Rahwav 

.1788. 

8th of 5th Mo. at Rahway, 1771. 



36th of 9th Mo. at Rahway,1805. 



36lh of 11th Mo. at Rahway... 

1807. 

1713. 



C. 

Copeland, Cowperthwait, Woodbridge 

Susannah Atkinson. Woodbridge 

Oopeland, Cowperthwait, Woodbridge 

Margaret Flatt. Woodbridge 

F. 

Fitz Randolph, Natb'l & 

Mary Shotwell way) 

Farrington, Jesse & Bridgctowu(Rah- 

Mary Copland 
Fitz Randolph,*Thomas,&iMiddlesex Co. .. 

Abigail Vail. 'Somerset Co 
Fitz Randolph, John, & JWoodbridge 



Mary King. 

Fitz Randolph, Sam'l. Jr. 

& Johannah Kinsey. 

Fitz Randolph, Joseph & 

Eiizubelh Kinsey. 



Elizabeth 



36th of 3d Mo. at Woodbridge, 
1750 

1st of 4th Mo. at Plainfield, 
1773 



1745. 

39th of 12tb Mo. Rahway, 1791. 



33d of 11th Mo. at Plainfield, 
1763 

•25th of 7th Mo. at Rahway, 
1793 



.1729. 
.1731." 



APPENDIX. 



359 



PARTIES MARKIED. 



RESIDENCE. 



TIME AND PLACE OP MARRIAGE. 



G. 



22d of 3d Mo. at Rahway, 1793. 



Gibbs, Abel, aud Woodbridge 

Elizabeth Haydock. Woodbridge 

Griffith, John & 

Elizabeth Gage 

Gach, Thomas, & 1 

Elizabeth Bloodgood. 1731. 



.1709. 



H. 

Harned, Jonathan & 

Sarah Laing. 
Hedger, Jolin and 

Mary Fitz Randolph. 
Hallet Israel & 

Naomi Sholwell. 
Haydock, John, & 

Mary Shotwell. 
Hampton, Joseph, tt 

Elizabeth Cook. 
Hartshorne, Hugh & 

Elizabeth Brown. 
Harned, John & 

Phebe Laing. 
Harned, .Jonatlian vk 

Judith Blondgood. 
Harned, Nathaniel & 

Alida Cilar Miller. 
Heady, Epiiraim it 
Susannah Fitz Randolph. 
Hunt, Solomon it 

Katlierine Bishop. 
Heborn, John ife 

Sarah Laing. 

Hick?, Samuel, & \ 

Amy Brouk, widow. 

K. j 

Kinsey, Mootry, & iMiddlesex Co....36lh of 1st Mo. Woodbridge, 

Sarah F. Randolph.! Middlesex Co....j 17G4 

Kester, Stephen & Kingwood, N. J. 34lh ot 12th Mo. Plainfield, 
Sarah Laing. Piscataway ' 1806 



iWoodbridge .23d of 7th Mo. at Plainfield, 

^ 1706 

Sotiiorset Co ,27th of 2d Mo. at Rahway, 1765. 

Woodbridge j 

Long Island i21st of 11th Mo. at Rahway, 

Elizabeth I 1765 

Rahwav !23d of 4th Mo. at Rahway, 

Rahway i 1766 

Bridgetown 33d of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1805. 

I3ridii;(4o vvn 

New" York City... 36th of 6th Mo. Rahway, 1806. 

Rahway j 

Woodbridge l37th of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1811. 

Piscat away 

Woodbriige 24th of 3d Mo. at Woodbiidge, 

Perth Amboy ....j 1768 

Woodbridge i35thof4th Mo. Plainfield, 1804. 

Bridire water i 

n 1724. 



1729. 



' 1734. 

Westbury, N. Y.i20t]i of 2d Mo. Rahway, 1794. 
Rahway i 



King, Jos. (son of Nathan) 
tt Catherine Laing. 



Woodbridge 24th ot 1st Mo. Rahway, 1805. 



Hardwick J25th of 9th Mo. Rahway, 1783. 

\V()otU)ridge 

New York City. . J3d of 6th Mo. at Rahway, 1814. 

Middlesex Co I 

1 1738. 



Lundy, Jacob, Jr. & 

Sarah Hampton. 
Leggett, Reuben, 

Mary Marsh. 
Laing, Samuel, 

Elizabeth Smith. 
Laing, John, 

Sarah Smith. 
Laing, David, 

Mary Thorn.' l23d ot 7th Mo. Plamfield, 1795. 



.1741. 
.1741. 



•^6o WOOm^UUH-.K AND VIClNirY 



PARTIES MARRIED. RKSIPEXCE. 1 TIME AND PIACE OF MARRIAGE. 



Laing, Jos»^ph. Piscattnvay i;M of 7lb Mo. Pliiinfielil, 1795. 

Ani.a AVobstor. Essex Co 

Laing, Isaac. .Miildlosox Co....i8th of '.?d Mo. Rahway, 17S8. 

Gnioo Moore. Middlesex Co ,'. 

Laing, Isaac, ,lr.. Woodbiidiic -.i'M of 5th ^lo. Rnhway, 1788. 

Katherine Kiusey. Woodbiidge 

Laing Josepl>, ' MiddlosexCo iOth of 8th Mo. RsUnvay, 1784. 

Sarah ^lai-sli, Essex Co .' 

Laing, David, ruscat;wvay iSth ot 10th Mo. Plaintield,178G. 

Sarah Shotwell. Piscataway 

Laing Thomas, Woodbridge iSd of 1st Mo. Phiinfield, 1793. 

Mary Sholwell. Essex Co 

Laiusr. James," Piscatawav •.?4th of 7th Mo. Phdnrteld, 1811. 

Betsy Webster. West tield. N. J.. 

Laing, Isaac, (,son ot" Thosi Woodbridge 5th of ItJth !Mo. Plaiulield, 1810. 

Mary Laing. Middlesex Co 

Laing, David, i^son ot Woodbridge oOth of 5th JIo. Plainficld, 1804. 

Thonias\ ^larcaret Vail. Biidirewater.N.J 

Laing, .lacob. Jr. Piscataway i7thof tUh Mo. Plaintield, 1804. 

Mercy Fu/. Kaudi>lpoh Bridge\vater,X.J 

Latham, ThiMiias, Woodbridiie '^Sd of 4th Mo. at Rahway, 

^liriam Allen. Woodbridge ITlUi .".. 

M. 
3ilarsh, James. Eli/.abethtown.... 04lh of 5th :Mo. Rahway, 1793. 

Margaret Elston. Woodbridjie " 

Marsh, Joseph, Woodbridge -^-^d of 0th Mo.Woodbridge,1750. 

Martha ^yebster. Elizabethtowu 

Marsh, Mordecai. Rahway e9th of 10th JIo. Rahway, 1778. 

Mary Shotwell. Elizabethtown 

Mai-sh. John, Woodbridge OOth of 8lh IMo. Rahway, 1790. 

Phebc Allen. Woodbridge '.. 

Marsh, Joseph. Woodbiidge 8th of 11th Mo. Rahway, 1770. 

3Iary Coplnul. Woodbridge .'.. 

Moore, Sanuiel, Jr. Falmouth,'" Mass. •28lh of 9th Mo. Rahway, 1815. 

Elizabeth L. Shotwell. Rahwav .' 

3Iiller. Robert, Morris "Co {^[Mh of 5th Mo. Plaintield, 1778. 

Katherine F. Randolph. 'Middlesex Co... 

P. 

Pound, Samuel. Piscataway 24th of (5th :Mo. Plaintield, 1807. 

Ann Laing. Piscataway 

Pound. David, '' Piscataway 27111 of lOtb Mo. Piaiufield, 

Mary Shotwell. Piscataway 17JX> 

Pound, Btujamin, Piscataway 2od ot 2d Mo. Plaintield, 1763. 

Elizabeth Laing. Piscataway 

Piirker, George. Jr., Piscataway 28th of 4th 3Io. "Woodbridge, 

Martha Thorn. Woodbridge 1703 

Pound, Hugh, Piscataway 24th of 4th Mo. Rahway. 1794. 

Sarah King. Elizabethtown 

Parker, George, 1735. 

Elizjibeth Laing 

Pound, Samuel, ' Piscataway 2l)th ol 8ih Mo. Plaintield, 

Catherme Webster. Elizabethtown ... 1772 



APPENDIX. 



361 



PAUTIKS MABBEED. 



RESIDENCE. 



TIME AND PLACE OF MARBIAOS. 



R. I I 
]{ogerB, Timothy, Pickcrinj?, C'nada:28th of 10th Mo. Rabway, 1813. 
Anna IIarned.*;\Voodbri(Jge 

S. 
Shotwell, Wni. and Eli/.abcthtown ... 2.'5th of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1772. 

Eli/iibeili Pound. |l'iscataway 

Sbotwell, Isaac, jWooilbridge 28lh of lltb Mo. Rabway, 1770. 

Hannah Shotwell. 'Wood bridge i 

Shotwell, Titus, iWoodbridge |20lh of 7tb Mo. Rabway, 1787. 

Deborah Moore. |\Voodljridge ! 

Sbotwell, John, Woodbrldge i28th of 6th Mo. Rabway, 1769. 

Margaret Haydock jWoodbridge ! 

Shotwell, .Jacob, Elizabctbtown ... 22d of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1769. 

13arsbcba Pound. Piscataway ' 

Shotwell .Joseph, Woodbridge 20lh of 8tb Mo. at Woodbridge, 

Elizabeth Jackson. Morris Co 1743 

Shotwell, Abraham, 'Woodbridge 28th of 12ib Mo. Woodbridge, 

Mary Jackson. 1751 

Shotwell, Wni. !Elizab(-tbtown ... 25lh of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1792. 

Elizabeth Moore. Woodbridge 

Sbotwell, Jo.sei)b D. Woodbridge 22d of ad Mo. Rahway, 1804... 

Elizabeth F. Randolph. Woodbridge 

Shotwell, Samuel, Piscataway '21st of 5th Mo. Plainfield, 1788. 

Hannah Lundy. Piscataway 

Shotwell, Daniel, iWoodbri.lge i25th of 10th Mo. Rahway, 17e7. 

Margaret Alstone. Woodbridge [ 

Sbotwell, Diniel. jWoodbridge i24th of Ist Mo. Plainfield, 1753. 

J^oitorah Sbotwell. Piscataway ' 

Shotwell, Joseph, | j at Woodbridge, 1716. 

Mary Manning 

Shotwell, John, ' 1736. 

Elizabeth Smith 

Shotwell, John, 1 1743. 

Grace Webster. 

Smith, Samuel, i 1743. 

Mas.sy Taylor.| '• 

Smith Samuel, lElizabetbtown ...J27th of 5th Mo. Woodbridge, 

Elizabeth Shotwell. Woodbridge 1773 

Smith, Benjamin, | 1 1713. 

Sarah Shotwell.! 

Smith, Shobal, iWoodbridge 1716. 

Prudence F. Randolph. ' '. 

Shoemoker, Abraham, New York City. '3d of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1793. 

Margaret Laing. Woodbridge : 

Smith Samuel, lElizabetbtown ...;27th of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1769. 
Sarah Pound. Pi.scala way 



Thorn, Samuel, ;Somerset Co 13th of 5th Mo. Plainfield, 1810. 

Rachel Laing.|Pifecataway" i 

Thorn, Isaac, Woodbridge i24th of 12lh Mo. Plainfield, 

Sarah Webster. Essex Co I 1706 



' Daughter of Jonathan Hamed, of Woodbridge. 



36^ 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, 



PARTIES MARRIED. 



3 ] : 1 1 ] ( I 



riME AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE. 



Mi.idlesex Co.... 23d of 9th Mo. Rahway, 1778. 
Middlesex Co 

Woodbiidge 23d of lltli Mo. Rahway, 1786. 

Woodbridije 

33d of 6th Mo. , 1750. 



Woodbridge ... 
Elizabetbtown 



Thorn, Isaac, 

Hannah Shotwell 
Thorn, Benjamin, 

Mary Shotwell 
Thorn, Abraham, 

Susannah Webster 

Thorn, Webster, Woodbridge |37th of 6th Mo. Rahway, 1793 

Elizabeth Martin. Woodbridge 

Thorn, Abraham, ! 1717. 

Mary Shotwell. 

Thorn, Jacob, ! 1733 

Susannah Shotwell. 
Thorn, William, 

Mary F. Randolph. 
Thorn, Abraham, 

Ann Laing. 
Thorn, .John, 



.1729. 
.1739'. 



Mary Shotwell.; Woodbiidge 

V. 

Vail, Thomas, and 

Rachel F. Randolph. 
Vail, John, 

Margaret Laing. 
Vail, Stephen, 

Esther Smith. 
Vail, Isaac, 

Sarah Thorn. 

Vail, Ephraim, (sou of 

Abraham) Rebecca Vail. 

Vail, Isaac, (som of John) 

Sarah Shotwell. 

Vail, Abraham, 

Marcaret F. Randolph. 
Vail, David, 

Phebe Jacltson. 
Vail, Edward, 

Sarah Kinsey.j Woodbridge 
Vail, Ciarkson, (s. of Benj.) Woodbridge 
Sarah Laing, (d. of Isaac.) Woodbridge 



Woodbridge |23dl3thMo. Woodbridge, 1773. 



Somerset Co.., 
Middlesex Co. 
Somerset Co... 



.1717. 
'.'1731'. 
!l733' 



33d of 11th Mo. Rahway, 1793. 



31st c f 3d Mo. Plaintield, 1810. 



Woodbridge .... 
Woodbridge .... 
Somerset Co.... 
Middlesex Co.. 
Somerset Co.... 
Woodbridge .... 
Bridgewaler .... 



39th 11 til Mo. Rahway, 1810. 



W. 

Webster, Morris, 

Hannah Marsh. 
Webster, Smith, 

Mary Laing. 
Way John, 

Mary Marsh. 
Webster, Wm., 

Susannah Laing. 
Webster, Isaac, 

Mary Laing. 
Webster, William, 

Sarah Thorn. 



Rahway 



Westfield, N. J. 

Piscataway 

Newtown, . L. I. 

Woodbridge 

Newtown, L. I. 

Piscataway 

Elizabetbtown ... 

Piscataway 

F^lizabelhtown ... 
Woodbridge 



38th of 8th Mo. Woodbridge, 

1766 

33d of 4th Mo. Plainfield, 1766. 



36th 13th Mo. Rahway, 1793. 
33d of bill Mo.' Rahway, isii! 



38th 9th Mo. Rahway, 1815. 
26l'h ' "9th Mo. Plaiiifieid, 1804. 
36th ibth • iio.' Rahway, * 1768. 

sist of etii ivio. ii:::^" 1787; 



34th of lOlh Mo. Plainfield, 

1787 

5th Mo. . 1749. 



APPENDIX. 



363 



PARTIES MAURIED. 



RESIDENCE. 



TIME AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE. 



Webster, William, 
Susannah Cowperthwait. 
Wren, Peter, 

Ann Brotberton. 
Webster, Joseph, 

Elizabeth Shotwell.; [N. J. 

Willson, Jeremiah, Independence, 

Joanna Moore. Woodbridse 
Willson, James, (s. of Jo-|Rahway 
siah) Anna Moore, (d 
of Henry) 'Rahway 



.1717. 



.1738-9. 



1733. 



21st of 9lh Mo. 



1792. 



24th of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1805. 



APPENDIX H. 



PUBLIC LANDING AND WATERING PLACE. 

Woodbridge Middlesex Co. Province of New Jersey. October 7th 1725. 

Then Laid out at the Request of Said Town by us the undersigned Sub- 
scribers, Surveyors of tbe Highways for Said County, a Publick Landing 
Place and Highway. Begining at a Stake Planted by a River Side Called 
and known by the Name of the Sound and is the South East Corner of a 
fifth Division Lott in the Commons of Said Woodbridge Drawn in the 
Right of Hugh ]\Iarch and Stands Ten Rods South-west from the mouth of 
a Creek Called Papiack Creek, Thence Running westerly as the Line of the 
Said Lott Runs to the South west Corner of the Said Lott. Thence North- 
erly on the Rear of the back Lotts to the Corner of Nathaniel Fitz Ran- 
dolphs Land, and So Extending Northerly as the Said Randolphs Land 
Runs till it Comes to the Road that Leads Down to the Blazing Starr. 

Bounded on the westerly Side by the Land of INIiles Bunn and James 
Clarkson till it comes to the Corner of a fifth Division Lott Drawn in the 
Right of John Bishop, So Extending Southerly" on the front of the Lotts 
Called the Rear Lotts as Layed out by the Lott Layers till it comes to James 
Browns Meadow, So Running South Easterly as the meadow Runs to the 
aforementioned Creek, Said Road Containing four Rods in Breadth. 
Together with a Small Square Left for a Watering Place in the Said Road, 
all which Landing Place, Road, and Watering Place was Left by the agree- 
ment of the Freeholders oi Said Woodbridge for a 5*ublick good. 

fJohn Sutton, 

Surveyors -' ^*^^^'y freeman, 
&ur\e3ors j^^^^ Herriot, 

iJohn White. 

Recorded in County Clerk's ofiice, Middlesex Co. N. J. Early Records, 
page 20. 

Note : The above-mentioned " Watering Place " was situated on the 
west side of the road, adjoining Lot No. 38 of the 5th Division lots, drawn 
in the right of Robert Rogers (see Freeholders' Book, folio 89). The high- 
way leading to the mouth of the Woodbridge Creek being shut up, and not 
being legally vacated, the surveyors of the highways reopened it, in 1799, 
to the width of six rods, as it was laid out Feb. 8th, 16G8. The survey 
which we give above (1735) was, therefore, illegal. The survey of 1799, 
which restored the road to its original width, will be fouud recorded in 
Road Book, pages 53 and 54. 



APPENDIX I. 



DOCK AT THE MOUTH OP WOODBRIDGE CREEK. 

An Act to authorize the township committee of the township of "Wood- 
bridge, in the county of Middlesex, to buiUl a dock at the mouth of Wood- 
bridge creek . 

Sec. 1. Be It Enacted by the Council and General Assenibly of this State, 
f nd it is hereby enacted bj' the authority of the same, That it shall and may 
be lawful for the inhabitants of the township of Woodbridge, in the County 
of Middlesex, to raise bj' tax or oil erwi^e, a sufficient sum to be expended 
under the direction of the township committee, or t'leir successors, in 
b lilding a dock or wharf at the ancient public landing place on Arthur 
Kull or Staten Island Sound, rear the mouth of Woodbridge, formerly 
Papiac creek, on the northeasterly side thereof, to extend a sufficient 
distance to accomu odate such vessels and Steamboats as usv.a''ly navigate 
the same ; Providtd the said dock or wharf shall not obstruct the naviga- 
tion of s dd river or Sound. 

Sec. 2. And be it enacted. That if any person or persons shall destroy 
or in any way injure the said dock, such person or persons shall; be 
responsible for, and shall make good all damages to the township commit- 
tee vvhich they shall commit. 

Sec. 3. And be it enacted, That it shall be lawful for all vessels to touch, 
make fast, load and unload at said dock ; and it shall be lawful for the 
township committee of the township of Woodbridge, and their successors, 
to demand, receive and collect compensation therefor, from all vessels or 
Steamboats as may mate use of the same, excepting only such vessels or 
Steamboats as are owned by and belong to the residents of the said town- 
ship of Woodbridge. 

Passed March 7th, 1844. 

[See Laws of New Jersey, 1844, p. 176.] 



APPE]SrDIX J. 



TWO HIGHTW'AYS LAID OUT 174 YEAKS AGO. 

February ye 9tli 1699 : Then Laid out by us under named a Highway Six 
Rod in Breadth : begining at the Highway which Runs by Jonathan 
Bishops Now Dwelling House about ten Rod Eastward from the North 
East Corner of tlie Said Bishops Orchard : from thence Runing over the 
Mill Brook, and So Extending on the Southerly Side of John Rolpha 
Dwelling House to the House of John Jaquls : from thence Runing through 
the Said Jaquis his Land four Rod in Breadth, by the Bans Side and 
through the land belonging to Jonathan Jaquis : from thence upon a Direct 
Line to John Stewards Dwelling House : the whole way between the House 
of the above Said John Jaquis and John Stewards House being but four 
Rod broad. Also a Highway from the Landing on the River ; about fifty 
Rod below the Said Stewards House, begining at a Black Oak tree marked 
on three Sides : thence Runing by the River Six Rod broad to Mr. Cortlands 
Saw-mill : from thence to a Black oak tree Standing Near the Bank of the 
Said River ; the way Runing between the Said tree and the bank : thence 
Extending along by the bank to town Line : from thence by the Town 
Line and through a Corner of John Jaquis his Laud on the South Side of a 
Rowe of marked trees into the Common : the Said way from Cortlands 
Mill being four Rod broad : 

Ezekiel Bloomfield 
Samuel Hale 
Ephi'aim Andrews 
Thomas Pike 
Taken from F. Randolph's copy, p. 111. 



APPENDIX K. 



THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH. 

It seems to be eminently appropriate that we should present an account 
in this place of the Baptist Church in Piscalaway. For the facts presented 
here, we are principally indebted to the sketch printed in 1870 in the 
minutes of the East New Jersey Baptist Association, written by the Rev. 
James F. Brown, the present pastor of the Piscataway Church. 

The first building for worship was projected in January, 1686; to be 
twenty feet wide, thirty feet long and ten feet "between joints." This 
meeting house, like the one at "Woodbridge, was built by the settlers of the 
town ; and as the Baptist element predominated, it gradually became 
subject, in its services and proprietary interests, to that denomination — just 
as the Presbyterians of Woodbridge came into possession of the property 
lelt in that town for the " support of a Gospel ministry." 

The primitive structure stood not far from the river, about a mile south- 
east of the present Church building. The Rev. Thomas Killingsworth, au 
English clergyman, and first pastor of the Cohausey Church, organized the 
Baptist Society of Piscataway in the Spring of 1689 ; and from this date 
until the year 174^ the original meeting-house was occupied for regular 
services. The membership of the Church, at its organization in 1689, was 
feeble, consisting only of six persons : John Drake, Hugh Dunn, Edmund 
Dunham, jSTicholas Bonham, John Smalley, and John Randolph. The 
three first-menTioned were exhorters or lay-preachers. John Drake became 
the pastor at the organization of the Church, and held the position until the 
period of his death, which occurred in 1739, making his ministerial career 
fifty years in duration. Nothing of importance is recorded within this 
time, except the statements that in 1707 the Church united with four others 
to institute the Philadelphia Association (the first Baptist Association in 
America), and that in 1709 the Church in Piscataway numbered only 
twenty members. 

The Rev. Benjamin Stelle, the second pastor, was ordained soon after the 
death of Mr. Drake. He was the son of Pontius Stelle, a French Flugue- 
not, and was born in New York in 1683. For twenty years he continued 
to preach the " unsearchable riches of Christ." He died, aged seventy -five 
years, in January, 1759. His ministry was a successful one. The Church 
numbered over one hundred members in 1746, fifteen of whom, in the fol- 
lowing year, formed a Church at Scotch Plains, and others residing near 
Morristown organized a Church there ; so that the precious seed scattered by 
this man of God was widely sown, and who shall count the harvest .•> 



^SS WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

In 1748 a new meeting-houae was built. The lot had been purchased in 
April, 1731, of Alexander McDowell, and contained four acres and six- 
tenths. This is the lot upon which the present structure stands, which is 
the third that has occupied the same site. The first of these three (that of 
1748) was forty feet by thirty-six feet in size, and is spoken of as "a well- 
finished house," but without the "convenience of a stove." It stood for 
seventy-seven years, when (in 1825) it was taken down, and a building fifty- 
two by forty -two was erected at a cost of $3,000. This was entirely- 
destroyed by fire on January Is^t, 1851. The present house of worship was 
speedily constructed upon the ruins of the old church building, and recently 
a graceful spire has added to its attractiveness. The edifice is sixty-eight 
by fift3^-two, and has a gallery on three sides, three aisles,and a recess pulpit. 
The third pastor. Rev. Isaac Stelle, was the son of Benjamin, the preced- 
ing minister, and was, undoubtedly, a man of no ordinary abilities. He 
had been ordained to assist his father in 1752, and, in 1759, when his father 
died, he was inducted into the Dulplt as his successor. He had some repu- 
tation abroad as well as at home, for he went about doing good. So many 
dismissions had been given to members removing to other localities, that 
when he assumed the pastorate the Church numbered only forty ; but in 
1775 the membership had increased to seventy-five. He died in the 63rd 
year of his age, on the 9th of October, 1781 — having fulfilled the duties of a 
pastor for twenty-two years. 

Rev. Rcune Runyon, the fourth minister, was pastor of the Church 
at Morristown from 1772 until 1780. He was a native of Piscataway, the 
son of Reune Runyon, Esq., of French descent. The date of his birth was 
November 29th, 1741, and that of his death was November 21st, 1811. He 
succeeded Mr. Stelle in 1783 and continued to perform a pastor's duties 
until the time of his decease. The length of his service to the Church at 
Piscataway was, therefore, twenty-eight years. He owned a farm which 
afforded him a comfortable support when his salary of £50 per annum was 
not fully paid — which sometimes happened. Only thirty-nine members 
were reported in the communion in 1785 ; but in the following year an 
extensive revival of religion prevailed which increased the number to one 
hundred and twenty-one. The good work did not end with the close of the 
year, but progressed powerfully throughout many months; so that in 1790 
a membership of one hundred ar.d forty-eight was reported to the Associa- 
tion. Two years after the last-mentioned date the Baptist Church at Samp- 
town was organized by some of the members residing there. In August, 
1792, the Piscataway Church dissolved its relation to the Philadelphia 
Association, with which, for so many years, it had been connected, and 
joined the New York Association. Its spirituality began to decline in 1794 
to such a degree that a day of fasting and praj'cr was observed — earnest 
invocation being made that God, in tender mercj% might pour out His 
Spirit upon the suppliant people, nnd upon those who had grown indiflereut 
to holy infiucnccs. Four days of public prayer were appointed in the 
following year on account of the coldness in religious matters waich 



APPENDIX. 369 

prevailed throughout the community. During 1807 and several succeeding 
years the result of all this prayer was seen in many additions to the Church. 
In the midst of the ingathering the faithful man of God was taken from his 
field of labor b}^ the great Harvester, and others gathered his sheaves. 

Rev. James M'Laughlin, the fifth pastor, became Mr. Runyon's successor 
©n the 1st of October, 1813 — nearlj' a year after the pulpit became vacant. 
The Church had no parsonage, so the new prencher rented a house in New 
Brunswick, where some of his parishioners resided. In the morning he 
preached at Piscataway and in the afternoon at New Brunswick, where a 
house of worship had been erected two years previously ; but it was not 
until September 16th, 1816, that the New Brunswick members were 
organized as an independent church. In the following May, M'Laughlin 
ceased to supply the ISew Brunswick pulpit on account of the desire at that 
place for a separate ministry; and in October ensuing he resigned the 
Piscataway pastorate. He is spoken of as a man of great piety and of 
unusual solemnity in declaring the Gospel. 

Rev. Daniel Dodge, of Wilmington, Del., was the sixth preacher at 
Piscataway, beginning his pastoral labors October 1st, 1818, and concluding 
them by resignation on the 39th of May, 1833. Forty souls were added to 
the Church during the first year, and some were baptized every year of his 
ministry at this place. He lived at New Brunswick, as the parsonage was 
not yet built. Two questions agitated the Church during Mr. Dodge's term 
of service. One was in regard to the imposition of hands after baptism, 
which, the pastor held, " was a Gospel ordinance " and a necessity. Many of 
the brethren regarded this as an innovation and a misunderstanding of the 
Scripture, and they were much grieved in consequence. The second ques* 
tion was in regard to the Scriptural teaching as to a man who married 
'his deceased wife's sister" — and the controversy waxed warm, some 
holding the opinion that such a marriage is unlawful and some maintaining 
the opposite view. Much strife and bitterness resulted from the discussion, 
which was finally transferred to the Association tor some authoritative 
decision. That body very wisely recommended that differences of opinion 
on that point might not be made a bar to Christian fellovvship, and a Coun- 
cil of Seven was sent to Piscataway to promote better feeling in the 
communion. A session of this Council, beginning June 10th, 1839, and 
lasting three days, brought about the much-dei^ired reconciliation. The 
question of imposition of hands after baptism was settled, at the same time, 
in favor of Mr. Dodge's usage. Tho pastor bought a farm near the meeting- 
house and resided there until he left Piscataway to preach for the First 
Church, Newark. Deacon Samuel Smith describes him as "a godly man, 
a good preacher, in doctrine strongly Calvinistic, neat in person, dignified 
in deportment, winning in manners, and very exemplary in his walk and 
conversation." 

Rev. Daniel Lewis, of Paterson, N. J., succeaded him as the seventh pas- 
tor of the Church. Mr. Lewis began his ministry on the 33rd of June, 1833, 
and ended it sixteen years after, on the 37th of September, 1849— the date 
X 



37© WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

of his death. One hundred and sixty-five souls were brought into the fold 
as the result of his toil iu this vineyard. He was not an educated man, but 
a most devoted servant of his Master. Through his influence the Church 
returned to its ancient custom of admitting candidates without the imposi- 
tion of hands after baptism. Indeed, he did not respond to the call 
extended to him until he was assured that the Church had returned to its 
former position on the question. A special meeting on the 1st of January, 
1834, voted that the mattar of a man's marrying the sister of his deceased 
wife should be left to the conscience of the individual — this vote being also 
secured through the influence of the preacher. In the Winter of 1837-8 
the Spirit of the Lord was manifest in the conversion of forty-five persons. 
Again in 1843 a great awakening occurred, continuing many months. One 
hundred and one united with the Church as the fruit of that great revival. 
In November, 1841, the East New Jersey Baptist Association was formed, 
and the Piscataway Baptists joined it, thereby severing their connection 
with the New York organization. Nearly eight years after, the humble 
preacher died, and his aflectionate people placed him to rest in the old 
burying-ground alongside the house of worship in which he had ministered 
so long. 

Rev. Henry V. Jones, of Newark, N. J., was the eighth pastor. His 
labors began April 1st, 1850, and were discontinued, on account of his 
impaired health, in March, 1856. Twenty acres of land and a house were 
purchased for the use of the Piscataway ministers before Mr. Jones arrived. 
The old house was, however, supplanted by a new and commodious build- 
ing, which was occupied by the preachers until 1869, when the property 
was sold on account of the distance from it to the meeting-house (two miles) 
and the unnecessary amount of land. One acre was bought near the house 
of worship and a tasteful parsonage was forthwith constructed at a cost of 
$8,300. Under Mr. Jones' fervent ministrations greater spirituality and vigor 
began to pervade the Church. The cause of missions received much atten- 
tion and four Sunday-schools were permanently established. Mr. Jones' 
health began to decline some time before his pastorate was ended ; but his 
people were loth to part with him. They accepted his resignation with 
reluctance in March, 1856, when he left the parish amid universal regret. 

Rev. Christian J. Page, the ninth pastor, came from Bristol in the same 
year, and began his successful ministry on the 1st of October. He resigned 
in March, 1867, and went to Spring Valley, N. Y., in the Autumn. A 
revival followed his advent resulting in the addition of one hundred souls 
to the Church within eit,hteen months. This work of grace began at an 
out-station, and proved a blessing to the entire community. In 1858 the 
membership numbered two hundred and eighty-five, to which four others 
were added in the succeeding year, making the highest total in the history 
of the Church. The five years following were years of comparative unfruit- 
fulness, only ten being baptized in that time. In September, 1863, Mr. 
Page having received an appointment as Chaplain in the Union army, was 
voted leave of absence for nine months with salary. On his return a good 



APPENDIX. 



371 



work began which added forty to the fold, and the gracious influence 
continued during bis stay in Piscataway. 

Rev. James F. Brown, the tenth pastor of Ihis ancient Church, became 
Mr. Page's successor in March, 1808, and is now worthily filling this honor- 
able position. jMr. Brown came from Bridgeton, N. J. Under his care the 
various benevolent enterprises of the Baptists and the general religious 
interests of the village have not suffered. 

Ten ministers have been given to the cause of Christ by the Piscataway 
Church; viz.: Revs. John Drake, Isaac Stelle, Renne Runyon, Henry 
Smalley, Jacob Sutton, Lewis F. Stelle, Warren Randolph, D. D. Bergen 
Stelle, George Pawley, and Charles C. Smith. The three first mentioned 
were pastors at their rative place ; Rev. Mr. Smalley became connected 
with the First Cohansey Baptist Church on the 8th of November, 1790 
where he preached until his death in 1839; Rev. Mr. Sutton was licensed ia 
January, 1811, and ministered at Penn's Neck until the close of his life ia 
1814; Rev. L. F. Stelle, son of Deacon Drake Stelle, began his labors la 
September, 1843, and died December 21st, 1863, having been the pastor at 
Branchville, Herbertsville, and Bloomingdale in succession ; Rev. Dr. Ran- 
dolph was ordained at Pawtucket, R. I., on the 24th of August, 1851, and 
became pastor of the Fifth Baptist Church of Philadelphia ; Rev. B. Stelle, 
brother of the Rev. L. F. Stelle, was licensed November 29th, 1848, and 
preached first at George's Road and then at Cherryville, in which pastorate 
he died, in ihe 49th year of his age, August 9th, 1864 ; Rev. G. Pawley was 
licensed on the 25th of March, 1860, but did not long remain in the ranks 
of the profession ; Rev. C. C. Smith was licensed October 2d, 1860, and was 
ordained as pastor of the Cooperstown (N. Y.) Baptist Church in March, 
1870. 

The officers of the Piscataway Church in 1870 were as follows : — Pastok : 
Rev. James F. Brown; Deacons, Henry Smalley, Alexander Dunn, Sam- 
uel Smith, Augustus T. Stelle, James D. Stelle ; Trustees, Runyon 
"Walker, Furman R. Stelle, Wm. E. Crowell, Martin Lupardus, Wm. F. 
Randolph, Philip Hummer, and MsPTord Runyon. In that year the member- 
ship numbered two hundred and fifty-five, and its total collection for the 
year amounted to $3,954. 

The burial-ground alongside the Church building contains some interest- 
ing memorials of auld lang syne. There is Edward Griffith's grave — he died 
March 23rd, 1813, aged seventy-five years. Upon the stone we read these 
words: "He worthily fulfilled the office of Deacon in this Church near 50 
years." What a good record that is I Here is old Ephraim Martin's place 
of rest. His death occurred in his seventy-third year on the 28th day of 
February, 180G. William Drake's wife, Hannah, sleeps near at hand, buried 
in March, 1797, in the forty-first year [of her age. Fit/. Randolph Drake 
died October 6th, 1791, aged seventy-five, and his body is slumbering here. 
George Drake's wife, Elizabeth, who was buried in 1768 at the age of fifty- 
six, has this flattering testimonial recorded upon the stone : 

''Frugal like Martha as a wife, 
And lived Mary's godly Ufe." 



372 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITV. 

Capt. Andrew Drake, Elizabeth Sutton, and many other old-time people 
here " wait for the morning." 

Blessed Ohurch ! What a history thou hast! What precious memoriea 
linger around this spot ! How many, with tears, have sought the Lord in 
the temples which have been destroyed ; and how many with gladness have 
found the Saviour on this hallowed ground ! What scenes of solemnity 
have here awakened thought and emotion ! What words of burning elo- 
quence have held the listening congregation as questions of eternity stirred 
the heart of the preacher ! What a delightful influence moved every soul 
when the Spirit of the Lord brooded over the place ! May that Spirit often 
return to greatly refresh the Church in which for so many years such signal 
mercies have been enjoyed. 



LOCAL CHRONOLOGY. 



Woodbridge bought of the Indians by Bayley, Denton & Watson. 
The town settled by English. 

The town bought by Daniel Pierce and associates. Articles of 
agreement signed between Gov. Carteret and the Woodbridge 
men. Piscataway formed into a settlement. 
Woodbridge laid out. First baby born. 
First Legislature of the Province held at Elizabeth, May 26. 
The first recorded town meeting held January 1. Woodbridge 
township created, June 1. Charter granted 16. Strawberry Hill 
made a commons, Aug. 27. First bridge over the creek, Sept. 22. 
Dunham's grist mill built. Samuel, Treat, the first town minister, 
arrives. 

First Grand Jury in this town. False alarm of Indians. 
Woodbridge under Dutch rale. 

The town meeting-house begun. Stockade built around the prison. 
Legislature meets in Woodbridge, October 5. 

Lands between Piscataway and Woodbridge bought of the Indians. 
Legislature meets here a second time, October 10th. 
John Allen becomes town preacher. 

Middlesex County created. Samuel Moore made High SheriS. First 
overseers of the poor chosen. 
First tavern in town. 

Samuel Dennis arrested (sec p. 162). Rev. Mr. Rid dell arrives. 
Death of Samuel Moore. 

First Quaker meeting held here. First school teacher, James Fuller- 
ton arrives. Piscataway Baptist Church constituted. 
Alarm of Indians ; a ranger appointed. 
Monthly Court established here. 

Adam Hude comes to reside here from Staten Island. Rev. Samuel 
Shepard comes to town. 
Wolves grow troublesome. 

Riot in Woodbridge against the Proprietary Government. 
The Piscataway boundarj' quarrel settled. School laud laid out, 
Dec. 11. 

The first Episcopalian missionary comes here. 
Rev. John Brook begins Episcopal service in Piscataway. 
The first town committee appomted. Parker's grist mill built. 
The first division of common land, October 14. 
Second division of land, in June. 
Rev. Mr. Wade installed. 



374 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

1709. Law-suit against Sonoians begun. Pike & Cutter's grist mill built. 
Beginning to build Quaker meeting-house. 

1710. Richard Soper's grist mill begun. Presbyterian Church established. 

1711. Rev. Edward Vaughan forms an Episcopal congregation here, and 
begins to build a church. George Eubanks arrives, the first school 
teacher on Strawberry Hill. 

1713. Church doors shut against Rev. Mr. Ilalliday. Weekly worship 

begun in the new Quaker meeting-house. 
1715. Third division of land in Juiy. 
1717. Fourth division of land, May 8. Rev. John Pierson ordained M 

Presbyterian preacher in this place. 

1730. Fifth division of land, April 4. 

1731. Sixth division of land authorized January 16. 
1730. First cup of tea drank in this place. 

1734. Seventh division of land. 

1737. End of the Sonmans-Stelle law-suit. 

1739- Rev. Benj. Stelle became the second pastor at the Piscataway Bap- 
tist Church. 

1740. Rev. George Whitfield preached in Woodbridge. 

1748. Prof. Kalm, the Swedish botanist, visits Woodbridge. 

1751. Mr. Parker established the first printing-press in the State at Wood- 
bridge. First Quarterly Meeting ot the Quakers held here. Rev. T. 
B. Chandler arrives. 

1754. The second Episcopal Church built in this place. 

1755. Rev. Nathl. Whilaker installed, Dec. 10. 

1756. The Presbyterian Church secures a Charier. 
1957. Quaker meeting-house begun at Rihway. 

1758. Military dratt afl?icts the Quakers ; some are imprisoned. 

1761. Rev. Mr. Roe is invited to Woodbridge. 

1763. Rev. Mr. Roe installed. 

1765. "Sons of Liberty" organized in town. Quaker meetings begin to 
decline. 

1769. Episcopal Church of this place secures a charter, Dec. 6. 

1778. Continentals encamped in town. Gen. Heard of Woodbridge arrests 
Gov. Franklin at Amboy, June 17. Soldiers quartered in the Qua- 
ker Mrcting-house. 

1777. Hessians encampeJ in Woodbridge. Skirmish with Morgan's Ran- 
gers, Jime 86. Battle of Ash Swamp. 

1780. Capt. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph died July 23. Captured cannon 
brought to Woodbridge. 

1783. Peace proclaimed. 

1784. Quaker Meeting-house at Woodbridge was sold. 

Errata. — On page 116, three lines from bottom, read Bryant for Byron, 
and the last hne is slightly misciuoted. On page 147, thirteen lines Irom 
bottom, read James instead of William Coddington. 



^ 



COl^TEFTS. 



Preface 3 

CHAPTER I. 1665-1666. 
Ancient New Jersey — Hunting — Origin of Woodbridge — Gov Car- 
teret's Arrival — The Articles of Agreement— Piscataway — Travel 
— Newark — Elizabethto wn — Early Romance 5 

CHAPTER II. 1667-1677. 

The Town Book — Randolph's Copy of it — First Highways— Jona- 
than Dunham's Grist Mill — View over the Sound— Old Dock — 
The First Mt;chauics in Woodbridge— And the First Baby— Old 
Landings :.... 16 

CHAPTER III. 1667-1677. 
Woodbridge Cliarter — ^Its Coutirmation —First Legislature of New 
Jersey — Insurrection against Gov. Carteret — Names of Settlers — 
Samuel Moore— Quit Rents — ximbo Point — Indian Sale of Land 
Between Woodbridge and P'scataway — The Old Prison — Odd 
Names 33 

CHAPTER IV. 1687-1677. 
Joshua Pierce — Early Town Meetings — The Ilslys — Voquillen — Trou- 
ble with Piscataway — The Inevitable John Smith — The Town- 
ship Court — Reward for the Constable's Head 36 

CHAPTER V. 1667-1677. 
Dissatisfaction with the Quit Rents — A Cross Letter from the Gover- 
nor — Wolf Pits — First Grand Jury in Woodbridge— Tiie Honest 
Scotchman — Paying Fees in Pork — Tbe Dutch Rule— Piscataway 
Troubles — Tlie Pound — Stockade — Magazine — Importing Pau- 
pers—Legislature in W^oodbridge — Second Session Here — The 
Pikes 45 

CHAPTER VI. 1686-1750. 
Hie Q«afcers— Meetings at Araboy — At Woodbridge — " G. F." — Build- 
ing the Woodbridge House of Worship — Quaker Books — Plain- 
field and Rahway Meetings 59 



376 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 

CHAPTER VII. 1669-1700. 
2lu Town MeeUng-House — The Kirk Green — The First Minister, Sam- 
uel Treat — Benjamin Salsbury — Jobn Allen— The New Meeting- 
house—Archibald Riddell— Samuel Shepard — Opposition to Tax 
for Supporting the Town Minister 76 

CHAPTER VIII. 1G78-1683. 
Gov. Andross — Bridge over the Papiack — Low Treasury — Township 
Court Regulations— Deputy Gov. Rudyard — A Woodbridge Citi- 
zen Disgraced 89 

CHAPTER IX. 1683-1690. 

Moore and Dennis — Shrievalty — First Tavern — More Piscataway 
Trouble — The Deputy Governors — Quit Rent Agitation — High- 
ways—Pound — Obadiah Ayers — Vigilance'Committee — Landings 
Second Division of Land — Death of Samuel Moore— of Israel 
Thornell— First Side-walk 98 

CHAPTER X. 1G90-1700. 
The Rangers- Geese Troubles— Town in Debt — The Courts — Another 
Town Clerk — Indian War— A Sick Man— New Bridge — Walker's 
Walk— Too much Talk— The Freemen— Model Compact— Riot. Ill 

CHAPTER XI. 1702-1872. 
2he B/piscopnl Congregation—GQorge Keith — Edward Vaughan— Hal- 
liday — First Church— Piscataway Church — Skinner — Chandler — 
McKean— Parker— Preston— The Revolution— List of Church 
Officers 121 

CHAPTER XII. 
Township Officers from 1668 to 1700 -Deputies— Town Clerks— Con- 
stables— Court Officers — Overseers of Highways — Rate-makers — 
Rate-Gatherers— Other Officers 187 

CHAPTER XIII. 1700-1707. 
Provincial Difficulties — Cornfield Landing — Metuchen— Pound at 
Rahway— Dividing the Commons — Boundary Between Wood- 
bridge and Ambo}'— Arrears in Taxes— Fulling Mill— First Town 
Committee— Parker's Grist Mill— John Pike Swindled — The 
Eighth Division of Land — Ancient Woodbridge 14S 

CHAPTER XIV- 1709-1720. 
The Pound again— Pike vs. Sonmans— Pike & Cutter's Mill— Free- 
holders' Book— Judge Adam Hnde— Mos?s Rolph— Strawberry 
Hill— The Commons— Second Town Book— Fourth Division 
Lots— Ear Marks— Death of Samuel Dennis 15S 



CONTENTS. 377 

CHAPTER XV. 1700-1760. 
S7ie Pretbyterians — Samuel Shepard — His "Wife's Decision — Nathaniel 
Wade— Presbyterianism Established— The Secession — Surveys of 
the Parsonage Land and the Meeting-House Green — John Pier- 
son— Nathaniel Whitaker 164 

CHAPTER XVI. 1669-1793. 
Educational — The Free School Land — First School Teacher, James 
Fullerton — John Browne— John Beacher— Survey of the School 
Land— Rahway School — Strawberry Hill— George Eubanks — 
School Fund—Old Academy 177 

CHAPTER XVn. 1720-1737. 
Slavery— Market-place— Encroachments — Roads Made Narrow— Son- 
mans-Stelle difficulty — Kinsey's plan — Town and Freeholders' 
Clerks — Seventh Division of land — Last of the Law-suit 185 

CHAPTER XVHL 1738-1776. 
England and France at war — The Sixth Division difficulties- The 
Eighth Division — Woodbridge in 1748 — An old house — James 
Parker the printer — First printing-press in the State located at 
Woodbridge — An old bridge 195 

CHAPTER XIX. 1751-1788. 
The Quakers — Grave-stones removed — First Quarterly Meeting in 
Woodbridge — The Draft — Mendham Quakers — Rahway — Minis- 
ters — War troubles — Rapid decline at Woodbridge — The Revolu- 
tion 20» 

CHAPTER XX. 1761-1873. 
2he Prcihyterians — Rev. Azel Roe — TheMetucheu Church— The New 
Woodbridge Church — Rev. Messrs. Mills, Barton, Martin, Lucas — 
The old Burying-ground 233 

CHAPTER XXI. 1775-1783. 
The Revolution — Taxation — Tea-drinking — Old heroes— Gen. Heard 
— Scared by a Swivel — James Paton — David Edg'ir — Smith 
Bloomfield— Samuel Dally— Capt. Nathaniel F. Randolph— Tim- 
othy Bloomfield — Eunice— Dr. Moses Bloomfield— David and 
Robert Coddington — Peter Latourette- -The Inslees — List of Old 
Soldiers 239 

CHAPTER XXII. 1775-1783. 
The Revolution continued — Spanktown — Events between 1776 and 
1783— Grace Lacky— Battle of Ash Swamp— Ezra Mundy— The 
Cutters— Clarkson Edgar — The Moores — Jennet Gage 269 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Conclusion —Town Meetings during the Revolution— Our greoX men. 286 



APPEl^DTX. 



A. — Woodbridge Town Charter 398 

B. — Presbyterian Cliarter 303 

C. — Episcopal Church Charter 307 

D.— Free School Land Charter 310 

E. — Liber A. list of Mirriages, Births and Deaths 315 

F.— Liber B. list 351 

G. — Quaker list of Marriages 258 

H.— Public Linding 364 

L— Public Dock 365 

J. — Two highways hud out 174 years ago 366 

K. — The Piscataway Baptist Church 267 

Local Chronology 373 

Contents 375 

Index 379 



IISTDEX. 



Note. — This Index does not comprehend the lists of Marriages, Births, 
and Deaths in the Appendix, as those lists are alphabetical. 

Obadiah, 18, 28, 47, 50, 105, 
114, 138, 151, 9, 168. 



A. 
Academy, Town, 184. 

Elizabethtown, 233. 
Acken, Thomas, 230. 
Adams, John (1), 28, 47, 151, 9. 
J«hn (2), 246. 
Thomas, 29, 160. 
Adlington, Arthur, 206. 
Agreement, original Town, 9, 23. 
Albany, 115. 
Alford, Benjamin, 207. 
Allen, Rev. John, 29, 66, 67, 69, 81, 
82, 83, 84, 103, 138, 160, 186. 
Henry, 288. 
Alston, Diivici, 132, 307. 
Alstone, John, 180, 236. 
Alwood, Joseph, 161. 
Andrews, Ephraim, 28, 47, 52, 86, 88, 
91, 92, 93, 104, 115, 116, 
119, 137, 9, 140, 1, 159, 164, 

183, 6, see. 

Jeek'diab, 151, 9. 
Mary, 167. 
Andross, Gov., 27, 89, 90, 01. 
Arthur Cull, 7, 24, 298. Achter Coll, 

50. 
Arrowsmith, Milton, 135. 
Ash Swamp, 280. 
Ashton, John, 124. 
Auburn TLeol. Sem., 233. 
Auger (or Eager), Archibald, 263. 

Thomas, 28, 47 (or Alger), 159 
Austin, Rev. D.,231. 
Averill, J<jhn, 29. (Everit?), 160. 
Ayers, Daniel, 207. 

Ellis, 225. 

Ellis F., 227. 

James, 241, 287. 

Joanna, 168. 

John, 168, John Jr., 168. 

Marv, 168, Pliebe, 168. 

Samuel, 180. 

Mrs. Robert, 169. 

Mrs. Thomas, 168. 



B. 

Bacon, Saral., 28, 41, 92, 138, 9, 159. 
Baker, Capt, 278. 
John, 49. 
Cornelius, 287. 
Bald Hill (between Woodbridge and 

Rahway), 84. 
Banister, Rev. T. L., 133. 
Barber, E., 206. 
Barclay, John, 60. 

Robert. 72, 96. 
Barkaloo, H., 185. 
Barnet, Capt., 249. 
Barnstable, 8. 
Barracks, Amboy, 242. 
Barron, Elizeus, 167. 

Ellis, Capt., 236, 263, 6. 

Ellis, 276. 

John, 133, 5, 173, 207, 230. 

Joseph, 135, 230, 1, 7, 8. 

Samuel (I.), 161, 173, 203, 7. 
(11.), 133, 5. 

Sarah, 277. 

Mr., 123,6. 

Thomas, 132, 4. 
Barrow, John, 123. 
Barton, Rev. Wra. B., 232, 7. 

Mrs. H. B., 233, Mrs. H. M , 

233 
Baptists, the, 128, 227, 267. 
Baptist Church at Piscataway, 367. 
Basse, Gov., 162. 
Baxter, Richard, 81. 
Bayley, John, 7, 8. 
Beatty, John, 814. 
Beach, Rev. A., 132. . 
Beacher, John, 178, 9. 
Bedford, Gov., 202. 
Bedman, Wra., 135. 
Belcher, J., Gov. 176, 303, 6. 
Bell, Andrew, 135. 



38c 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Benton place, 150. 

Ben ion, Wra. H., 185. 

Berkeley, Lord, 8, 36, 27, 125, 172, 

298, 310. 
Bergen, 26, 30. 93, 256. 
Bergen Co., 276. 
Berry, John, 50, 100. Wm. 161. Wm. 

H., 150. 
Berry's factory, 293. 
Billop, Col., 259. 
Billop's Point, 259. 
Bingley, Wm., 29, 124, 133. 
Bishop, Alston, 132, 4. 

Sergt. James, 221. 
John, 8, 20, 28, 41. 47, 52, 53, 
77, 79, 103, 124, 139, 140, 1, 2, 
160, 177, 180, 291, 364. 
John, Jr., 28, 83, 86, 91, 92, 
96, 101, 3, 4. 7, 119, 137, 9, 
140, 1,5,6, 155, 160,291. 
JoniUliau,29,86,93, 101,9,112, 
141,40, 1.5,6,160,4,291,366. 
Lydia, 168. 

Noah, 105, 7, 138, 141, 167, 9. 
Shotwell, 264. 
Blacklich, Btniony, 20. 
Blanchard, Capt., 266. 
Blazing Star, 228, 242, 264, 7, 364. 
Bloodgood, Francis, 213. 

James, 136, Wm., 161. 
Bloomfield Ezckiel (I.), 86, 87, 109, 116, 
119, 137, 8, 140, 1, 2, 192, 
366 

(II.), 264. 

Eunice (I.), 25 8, (XL), 257. 
Esther, 168. 
Benjamin, 206. 
Hopewell, 168. 
John (I.), 28, 33, 47, 79, 
101,5, 9. 114,140, 5, 159, 
160, 178, 180. 
(II.), 206. 
James, 261, 4. 
Joseph, Sr., 258. 
Joseph, Jr., 141, 175, 206, 
230, 245, 258. 
Jonathan, 173, 192, 237, 
264, 288. 

Moses, Dr., 173. 192, 7, 
202, 5, 241, 258, 287, 8 
304, 311. 
Mrs. Ann, 247. 
Nathan, 264. 
Smith, 247, 9, 256. 
Thomas (I), 18,28,39,47 
48, 69, 138, 9, 140, 2, 159 
177. 
(II.), 18, 28, 53, 



137, 140. 150, 9. 
(III.), 264, 276. 
(IV.), 264. 

Timothy (I:), 167, 243, 
256, 7. 

Timothy (IL), 256, 225. 
William, 264. 
Bloomfield's Sprinsj, 157. 
Bollen, James, 25,^33, 93, 99, 302. 
Bond, Robert, 25, 302. 
Bonny, James, 241, 286, 7, 8. 

Joseph, 168. 
Borroughs, Esther, 168. 
Bonham, Nicholas, 367. 
Bonhauitown, 264, 7, 9, 270, 2, 8, 4. 
Boudinot, Eiisha, 260. 
Bound. Capt. A., 81, 83. 
Bostwick, Rev. D.,232. 
Bowii, Capt., 148. 
Bowman, Wm., 255. 
Boyd, Rev. J., 170, 1. 
Boynton's Dock, 22. 
Bradford, Wm., 200, 1. 
Bradley, Joshua, 28, 42, 83, 139, 150, 

160. 
Bradshaw, Geo.. 134. 
Branford, Conn., 13. 
Brentnall, John, 135. 
Brewster, J. M., 135, Timothy, 230, 6. 

George Y., 237. 
Bricktown, 228. 

Bridges, 40, 91, 101,5, 116,205,288. 
Britton, Elizabeth, 168. 

Daniel, 156, 8, 168, 188, 235. 
Bridgetown, 271. 
Brought, Aggie, 246. 
Brook, Rev. John, 121. 
Brotherton, Henry, 70. 
Brown, Andrew, 208, Rev. J. F-, 367. 

Col. Benj., 236. 

Carlisle, 288. 

Benjamin, 264. 

George(I.), 157, 162;8, 171,2, 

182. 208. 304. 

(II.), 264. 

Mr., 246,7. 

Foreman, 230. 

James, 196, 207, 231. 

James, Jr., 230. 

John (I.), 178.9,181,208. 

(II. ), 230, 288. 

Philip, 230. 

Samuel, 230. 

Thomas, 208. 

Warren, 264. 

William, 236. 
Bunn, James, 135, Miles, 364. 
Seriah, 206, Mr. J., 22. 



INDEX. 



Matthew, 28, 40, 137, 159. I 

Nalhau, 134, Icbabod, 276. I 
David, 132,4, Wm., 188. 

Burlington, N. J., 64, 66, 201,2,260. 

Burghardt. Rev. P. H., 227. I 

Burial Ground, Presbt., 167. 234-6,1 
256, 8, 268.1 

Burwell.Robt.,264. 

Butler. Samuel, 168. 

Mehitable, 168. 

Byllinge, E., 27. 

C. 
" Caledonia," the, 38. 
Campbell, Caleb, 21, 158, 9, 160. 
David, 235. 
Dugald, 228, 264. 
John, 168, J. H., Jr., 135. 
Henry, 134, 5. 
Lord Neill, 102, 162. 
Campyon, Mrs.. 186, 240. 
Cape May. 30. 
Carman, Richard, 196. 
Carll, Rev. B., 231. 
Carteret, Gov Philip. 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 
25,27, 29, 30,31. 32. 43,46, 
49, 52, 89, 96, 125, 160, 298, 
302, 310. 

Sir George, 8, 26, 32, 96, 125, 
172, 298, 310. 
Cedar Brook, 178. 
Chalkley, Thomas, 72. 
Champpine, 46. 
Chandler. Rev. T. B., 129. 
Chaplin, John, 168. 
Chapman, Rev. Jas., 133. 
Charter, of Woodbridire, 23, 39, 40, 
46, 53, 100, 4,l77, 298. j 

of Presbyterian Church, 303. 
of Episcopal Church, 307. 
of School Land, 310. 
" Chesquake," 113. 
Chimbel, David, 168, Rachel, 168. 

Jonathan, 168. 
Christ Church, Eiiz., 134. 
Clark, 135. 
Clarke, Wm.,278. 

Clarkson, Abel, 135, James, (II.), 185. 
James (L ), 20, 68, 155, 160, 
180, 364. 

Jeremiah, 246, 286, Noe, 282, 
Robert, 241,286,311. 
Cleak (or Clark), John, 146. 
Clerk, Benj., 61. 
Coddingtou, David, 259. 

James (not Wm.), 147. 
230. 



134, 5, 230, 264. 
Mary, 168. 

Robert (L), 230, 6, 251, 
5, 9, 261, 281. 
(II), 200,2, 259,261,3, 
28i. 

Richard, 161. 
Coddington's Point, 107. 
Cohansey, 367, 371. 
Collier, Thomas, 138, 140, Hannah, 

168. 
Compton, Daniel, 220, 1, Henry, 270, 
Francis. 207. 

John, 138, 141,4, Mary, 31. 
William, 21, 28, 149, 159, 
197. 
Conger, Gershom, 206, Mary, 168. 
Wm., 249. 

John (L), 28, 105, 7, 9, 138. 
159, 168, 178. 
(H:), 225. 
Condin, Michael, 277. 
iCondit, Rev. A., 233. 
Connecticut Farms, 245, 6, 260. 



Connecticut Gazette, 201. 
Constables, 138, 142. 
Continentil Consress, 240. 
Conway, John, 206, 230. 
Cook, Rev. Henry, 225, 6. 

Col., 273. 
Copeland, Cowperthwait, 214, 18. 
Cornbury, Lord, 120, 148. 
Cornwallis, Lord, 274, 5. 
Cotheal, Isaac, 273. ~ 
Council of Safety, 276-8. 
Courts, etc., 112-114, 115. 
Court house, 34, 156. 
Court, Township, 9. 25, 29, 34, -12, 81, 

91, 92, 94, 98, 100, 113, 139, 

162, 301. 
Cow boys, 278. 
Coxe, Wm., 239. 
Crandel, John,20, 119. 
t-rane, Maj. Wm., 247. 
Crews, Rev. M.. 134. 
Cromwell, Benj., 20, 141, 5. 

John, 28, 159. 
Cross Keys' Tavern, 285. 
Crow, David, 221, Ellis, 230. 

Col. Saml., 236. 
Crowell, David, 221, Hannah, 16S. 
Joseph, 231, 7, 264. 
James, 200, Wm. E., 371. 
Edward, 175, 191,234,304. 
Rolph M., 266, 292. 
Cuming, Rev. F. H., 133. 
Cuts, Robert, 48. 



John, 138, Jotham, Cutter's Dock, 48, 144. 



38- 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Curtis, Mary, 168. 

Cutter, Capt., 168, Samuel, 230, 264 

Richard, 154, 168, 193, 207, 

235, 283, 304. 

Jennet, 154, Mary, 168. 

iMrs. 240, Kelsey, 264. 

Campyon, 230, 7, 243. 

William, 207. 237, 283. 

Joseph, 207, John, 283. 

Stephen, 264, 283. 

Tabitha, 2S3, Ford, 264, 283,4. 

Samuel R., 283, Hampton, 285. 

D. 

Dally, Jeremiah (I.), 246, 9. 
(II.), 4. 150. 
Samuel, 249. Mary, S50. 
T. J. and G. W., 151. 

Dane, Daniel, 168. 

Davis, Thomas, 153. 

De Camp, Serat. Jas., 221, Morris, 264, 

Demarest, David, 200. 

Dennis, John, 18, 28, 92, 105,110,141, 
9, 159, 161. 

Jonathan, 29, 168, Mrs., 168. 
Mary, 134. 

Robert, 8, 10, 36, 28, 48, 77, 
78,79, 137, 140, 1, 159,161. 
Samuel, 18, 20, 28, 47, 50, 52, 
79, 80, 80, 88, 91, 93, 94, 95, 
98, 99, 100,2, 3,5,9, 110,112, 
114, 116, 119, 120, 137, 8, 9, 
140, 1, 2, 8, 150, 9, 161-3, 4, 
171, 180, 191, 391. 
Samuel, Jr., 138, 156. 

Denton, Daniel, 7, 8. 51. 

Deputies, pay of 50, 93, list of 137. 

Dey, Elias, 333. 

Dessigny, Peter, 20, 

Dickinson, Jonathan, 173, 5, 6. 

Disossway, Israel, 230. 

Dismal Swamp, 23, 33, 298. 

Dilly, John, 28, 152, 9, 160, 168. 
Ruth, 168. 



Dog tavern, 268. 
Douglass, Rev. Wm., 133. 
Drake, John, 237, Rev. John, 367, 
371. 

William snd Hannah, 371. 
Reuben, 267, Capt., 373. 
Fitz Randolph, 371, Geo., 371, 
Dunham, Jonathan, 17, 18, 28, 44, 47, 

51, 78, 107, 8, 9, 115, 125, 

140, 1, 149, 160,4, 180,197. 

Benjamin, 67, 123,4, 5, 158, 

170. 

Josiah, 135, Isaac, 384. 

Edmund. 367. 

David, 156, 168, 196, 307, 

331, 304. 

Joanna, 168, Mrs., 168. 

Azariah, 315, Henrv, 230, 

Mary, 331, Lewis, 351. 
Dunhamtown, 44, 134. 
Dunn, Rev. Mr., 134, Seth, 330, 1. 
(See Donn), Alexander, 371. 
Dudley, Gov., 7, Mercy, 7. 
Dutch Rule, 49-53. 
Dutch Reformed Church at Metuchen, 

338. 
Duck Creek, Del., 348, 
Duychink, Maj., 348. 

E 

Earle, Rev. W. R., 133. 
Ear-marks, 160. 
Edgar, Thomas (I.), 168, 330, 289. 

(II.), 337, 387. 

James, 331, 330, 364. 

William (I.), 364. 

(II.), 150, (III.), 330. 

Alexander (I.), 306, 980. 

(II.), 110, 149. 

Captain D., 330, 5, 244, 6, 7, 

265. 

Clarkson, 330, 6, 384, 7, 8. 

Hannah, 347, David, Sr., 347. 

Mr., 278. 



Divisions of land, 28, 108, 144, 5, 147. Edgar, Maj., Homestead, 379. 
First, 148 ; Second, 108, 148, Eddy, James, 203, 3, John, 173. 



155 ; Third, 148 ; Fourth, 
31, 148, 158; Fifth, 149, 
161; Sixth, 149, 196; Sev- 
enth, 149, 193 ; Eighth, 149. 

Dole, Richard, 6, 80. 

Donn (Dunn), Hugh, 10, 28, 150, 9, 
367. 

Donham, Joseph, 133, 164, 307. 

Doane, Bishop, 12I3. 

Dodge, Rev. Daniel, 369. 

Dog tax. 204. 

Docks, See " Landings." i 



Edsall, Samuel, 25, 80, 97, 302. 

Elders, Presbyterian, list of. 237. 

Ellison, Wm., 138, 141. 

Elizabethtown, 7, 8, 13, 14, 34, 36, 27, 
49, 50, 51. 54, 56, 68, 
77,90,96, iOl, 4, 5,8, 
111, 133, 3, 6. 9, 130, 
134, 167, 173, 4, 5, 199, 
331, 345, 6, 251, 8, 
276, 7, 8. 

Elm Tree Tavern. 199. 
Institute, 200. 



INDEX. 



383 



Ellwell, H., 135. 
Elston, Wm.,20, 153. 
Ambrose, 2i)i. 
Elstone, Peter, 157. 
Ensign & Commoss, 2-12, 285. 
Episcopal Church, 76. 121-lc6, 181, 

2i)3, ;:o7. 

Essex, Co., 93, 113. 

Essex Horse, 247. 

Eston ^ElsionV) Thomas, Jr., 288. 

Eubanks, George, 124, 181. 

Evans, Reuben, 203, Crovvell, 264. 

David, 206. 
Everit, John, see Averill. 



Fences, 44, 53, 187. 

Fenwick, John, 27. 

Fink, Wm. E., 135. 

Finley, Rev. R. J., 237. 

First baby in town, 21. 

Fisher, Rev. Dr.. 2S7. 

Fitz Randolph, Nuih'l. Sr., 62, 63, 66, 

68, 99, 105, 7; 130, 137 

8, 9, 141, 6. 178, 206, 

310. 216. 

Nath'l, Jr., 3, 16, 205, 

235, 241, 6. 251-256, 

259, 36;>, 287, 9, '064, 

Grace, 63. - T 

Captain Asher, 251, 

264, 5, 268, 287. 

Haitshoin, 215. 

Jacob, 207. 

Edwiinl, 68, 71. 

Joseph (l.), 67. 
(II.), 265. 

Eiiah, 265, Ezekiel, 

265. 

Malachi, 265, Daniel, 

265. 

Michael, 265, James, 

265. 

Barzilla, 265, Stelle, 

265. 

Phineas,265, Thomas, 

265. 

Zedekiah, 265, Es- 

seck, 207. 

Nathaniel (III), 191, 

2, 203, 208. 

Isatic, 307, Reuben, 

207. 

Edward, 209, 221. 

Samuel, 321,265, 288. 

Robert, 191, 308, 241, 

286,7,8. 
Flag-Btaff, first, 285. 



Fleming, Wm., 377. 

Flood, Isaac, 263, John, 250. 

Fog?, Rev. E., 80. 

Fold, Clia?., 168. 

Foo(e, Dr. I., 283. 

Forbes, C. A., 135. 

Force, Benj., 188, Jeremiah C, 266. 

Samuel, 265, 286. 
Ford, Ebenezer, 225, 378. 

Siimuel, 308, Elias, 168. 
John, 167, 169, 171. 
Wm., 168, 335, Jacob, 315. 
Ford's Corner, 35, 150, 243. 
Fors, Matthew, 168. Sarah, 168. 

Mrs. Btnj.. 168. 
Forster (Foster ?), Ebenezer, 139, 241, 

307, 311. 
Fox, Geo., 72. 

Franklin, Gov., 242, 307, 9, 10, 13. 
Frazee, David, 191, 287. 

Jonathan, 169, Wm., 206. 
Shotwell B. 364. 
Hiram, 265, Morris, 265. 
Freehold, N. J., 170. 
Freeholders' Book, 3, 203. 

Clerks, 192. 
Freeman, Joseph, 175. 

Henry, 189, 193, 207, 220, 1, 

235, 6, 251, 278, 864. 

Dr, E. B., 4. Jedediah, 251. 

Dr. S. E.,101, 240. 

Israel, 277, 286. [168. 

Samuel, 276. Mrs. Sam'l, 

Alexander, 307, Hannah, 

168. 

Dr. Matt., 133, 5. 265. 

Isaac, 207, 241, 276, 288. 

Lorrain, 112, 134. 

Melancrhon, 135, 265. 

Jonathan, 161, 184, 330, 7, 

265. 

John, 207, David, 265. 
Gapt. Matthew, 265, 377, 
388, 7, 8. 

Smith, 271, Josiab, 388. ' 
Freemen, the, 117. 
Frelinghuj'sen, Col. P., 376. 
French and Indian War, 111, 114, 195, 

213. 215. 
French, John, 20, 28. 

Col. John, 221. 
Friend, Charles, 277. 
Fullerton, Jas , 177, S, Thos., 178. 
Robert, 178. 



G. 
Gach (or Gage), Thomas, 71, 192, 
202, 6. 



384 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Gage, Jennet, 285, Ellis, James, and 

Philip, 385. 
Gallaudet, P. W., 330. 
Gannit, Rehoboth, 38, 150. 
Geddis, John, 308. 
Geese, the. 111, 153 



General Assembly, see "Legislature. '"Harris, Benj., 318. 



Nathan, 135. 

AVm., 304, 343, Dr. S. P., 300. 
Harriot, David. 307, 336, John, 364. 

Siimuel, Jr., 330. 

Geo., 307, 337, Ephraim, 

330, 7. 



Giles, Rev. J., 331. 

Gilchrist, Robt., 157, 8, IGO. 

Gillispie, Rev., 171. 

Gilmaus, the, 11. 

Gilman, John (I.), 10, 51, 102 (II.), 365. 

Charles (I.), 10, 150, 5, 160 

(H.), 365. 

Joseph (I.), 155, 161, 335, 

(II.), 351, 365. 
Goodwin, Amos, 134. 
Gordon, Thomas, 85. 
Grand Jury, 47, 55, 143. 
Grasie (Gresey or Gresie), Daniel, 38, 

151, 159. 
Gray, Joseph, 157, 168. -Elizabeth, 168. 
Great Bend, surprise at, 361. 
Green, Meeting-house, or Kirk, 16, 

17, 18, 40, 44, 76, 77, 84, 134, 

135, 149, 153, 7, 165, 173, 180 

339. 
" Greyhound," the, 199. 
Griffith, Benj. 61, 63, 63, 67.-Dr. J.. 

330. 

John. 68, 69.-Edward, 871. 

Elizabeth, 70. 
Groome, Sam'l, 96. 
Grove, Robert, 156, 167. -Mary, 168. 
"Gunpowder," 313. 

H. 

Hackensack, 376. 

Hadden, Thos. (I.), 71, 133, 161, 306, 

336. 

(II.), 365, 307. 

Crowell, 330. 
Haddonfield, 376. 
Haines, Jonatlian, 38, 159 
Edward, 113, 149. 
Hale, Sam'l. 30, 38, 47, 53, 79, 94, 115, 
116, 119, 138, '.I, 140,3,9, 159 
164, 7, 9, 180, 366. 
Halliday, Rev. T., 133, 135, 136, 7, Hudson, Capt. H., 5 

174. Iluflmaster, F. 134. 

Hamilton, Gov., 103, 115, 143, 4, 6. Hull, Hopewell, 10, 39, 3?, 150, 9 
Hampton, Abner, 313, 313, 14, 15, 16. Benj.. 10. 

Hance, Geo. C, 136, 358. Hummer, Philip, 371 



Harpendine, Peter, 231. 

Harr, Col. J., 331. 

Hartford, Conn.. 174. 

Haverhill, 8. 

Haviland, Joseph, 307. 

Haydock, James, 317, 321, John, 319. 

Hayes, Maj., 365. 

Hazlewood Cemetery, 367. 

Heard's Bri.s^ade, 343, 7. 

Heard, John, 161,194, 306, 343, 377. 

Sam'l, 376, Mrs., 168. 

James, 343, Wm., 343, 304. 

Gen. Nath'l, 304, 6, 335, 341, 

342, 3, 376, 386, 7, 9, 311. 
"Henry and Francis," the, 156. 
Hendricks, Dan'l, 40. 
HerroLl, Wm., 135. 

Bigh Sheriff of Middlx., 39, 100, 163. 
Higgms, Gershom, 134, Rose, 167. 
Highways, 13, 16, 17, 18, 47, 101, 4, 7, 
113, 140, 4. 172, 187, 366. 
Hofiman, Rev. E. A., 133, 4. 
Hollister's Corner, 150, 1, 360. 
Hollister, Geo., 133,5. 
Holland, Sarah, 168. 
Holt, John, 301. 
Holton, H. W.,135. 
Holmes, Col., 384. 
Homans, Rev., 134. 
Hooglaud. Aclj.,347. 
Hopkins, Sam'l. ,50. 
Hotel, Woodbridge, 293. 
House-lots, 9. 
Houghtenville, 308. 
Hoviof, Ocilla, 168. 
Howe, Lord, 373, 4, 5. 
Hude, Adam, 30, 146, 156, 7, 1«4, 167, 

8, 186, 8, 335, 393. 

]\irs. Marion, 335. 

Robert, 156, 175, 196. 

Agnes, 15P, James, 156. 



RevoC, 134. 
Hanbam, Wra., 134. 
Hanover, 175. 
Harnod, Jonathan, 71, 161, 307,319. 

Jonathan, Jr., 318, 330. 



Hunt, Solomon, 313, 315, 317. 

Marmaduke, 320, 386. 

Rev. H. \V.,237, Dr. E. M.,238. 

Rev. G. A., 227. 
Hunter, Gov., 134, 137. 



INDEX, 



385 



Hunting, 5, 13, 299. 
Hutchinson, Wm., 233. 

I. 

Ilslys, the, 38. 

lisly, John, 20, 29, 37, 53, 83, 91, 93 

110,137,9.142.7. 

John, Jr., 138,141. 

Elisha, 28, 37, 159. 

Jonathan, 161, 2U6. 

M iry, 109, Davi'l, 157. 

Wm., 158, 172, 182. 

Elizabeth, 168. 
Independent Church, 169-171. 
Indians, the, 5, 6, 8, 19, 26, 30-34, 40, 

4.5,48, 102, 111, 114, 144. 
Inslee, Jonathan, 235, 253. 

E.'cperience, 256. 

John. 262, Gage, 262. 

E!izal)eih, 263. 

Sim'l, 276, Wm.,198. 

Capt. Isaac, 151. 

J. 

lacksoD, Chas.,173, 191, 202. 4,241. 

Marv, 203, Thomas, 230. 
ladges, 119, 150. 
Tail (see Prison). 
Tames II., 102. 

Taques, Henry, 8, 20, 28, 151, 9. 
Henrv, Jr., 28, 159. 
Col. Moses, 221.-Dr. 265. 
Sam'J, 132, 168, 203, 7, 230, 6, 
307. 

Mrs., 168.-x\nn, 110. 
John, 134, 158, 168, 172, 181, 
366. 

Rev. P. L.,133.-Jamea, 134. 
Susannah, 168. 
Taquish, Sam'J, 241, 265, 287. 

Jonathan, 251, 366. 
Jersey Prison Ship, 256, 264, 393. 
Jersey Blues, 243. 
Tones, Jas., 135, 207.-BeDj., 168. 
Geo. 135.-Joanna, 168. 
Isaac, 135.-Jeffrey, 178. 
Rev. H. v., 370. 
Capt., 255.-Widow, 181. 
William, 236, 263. 

K. 
Kalm, Prof, 197,8,9. 
Ivearnev, Piiilip, 193. 
Keith, Geo.. 61, 62, 121. 
Kelly, James, 208.-John, Jr., 208. 

Benajah, 283. 
Kent's Creek, 154. 
Kent's Neck, 32. 



IKent, Stephen, Sr., 8, 28, 35, 39, 41,43, 
I 50, 139, 145, 150, 9. 

Stephen, Jr., 28. 150, 9, 160. 
Wm., 197, 206.-David, 287, 208. 
John, 208. 
Kisrgs, Rev, 237. 
Killlngsworth, Rev. T., 367. 
Killingvvorlli, Conn., 173. 
Kingwood, N. J., 227. 
King's Highway, 187. 
Kinsev, John, Sr., 62, 06, 68, 60, 155, 

180, 2, 8, 190. 

John. Jr., 188, 9, 190, 1, 3, 3. 

230, 265, 276. 

Jonathan, 206, 212. 

Shadracl), 2a5.-Grace, 81. 

James (I.), 265.-tIl.), 265. 
Kinsey Farm, 266. 

Kirk Green, 16. (Sec "Green, Meet- 
ing house.") 
Knyf, Capt., 50. 



Labaw, Fi'ancis, 266. 
Lacy, Capt., 273. 
Lafayette. Gen., 243, 266. 
LacKy, Robt., 236 -Grace, 279. 
Laing, Jilcob, 215- Wm., 230. 

John, 60, 02, 67, 74,211, 230. 

Abram, 266- -Joel B., 267. 
Latourette, Peter, 2.55, 9, 261. 
LingstatJ, John, 134. 
Lanastaff's Hill, 157. 
Landings, 19. 20, 22, 48, 69, 107, 144, 

154, 364, 5. 
Lasslett, Joiin, 265.-Geo., 135, 184. 
Law rie. Gov., 61, 102, 4. 
Lawrence, John, 52. 
Law-suit, the Sonman's, 154, 188-191 

193, 4. 
Leacock, Rev. H. J., 133. 
Le Clair, 135. 
Lep, Robt., 135. 
Leesville, 105. 
Lee's Legion, 243. 
Legislature, 26, 27, 29, 42, 54-58, 90, 

115, 143, 156, 182, 195. 
Leonard, Capt. N., 266. 
Lesenbe, Henry, 18, 28, 149, 159. 
Leshicr, John, 260. 

Le Prairie (see "Vnquillen, Robt."). 
Lewis, Thos., 206,214. 

Annaiuiis, 200.-Rev. D., 370 
Little Egg Harbor, 30. 
Little, Geo., 28, 77, 159. 
LiviHgiton. Gov., 245. 
Lockhart, Geo., 20.-V/idow, 168. 
Epliraim, 168. 



3^6 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Gawen, 138, 141, 164. 
Lo:3ge, Lieut., 273. 
Ivong, Michael, 376. 
Loofbourrow, John, 67, 81. (Spelt 

Luf berry, 69 ) 
Louel, Thomas, 10. 
Lovelace, Gov., 27. 
Lucas, Rev. Geo. C, 283, 4. 
Luckhurst, Jas., 185. 
Latberry, Abraham, 266. 

Joseph O., 266, 371. 

John H., 366. 
Lnpardus, Martin, 371. 
Lyon, Mr., Ill, 112. 

M. 

Masazine, 53, 101. 143. 
Mikany, David, 28, 41, 160- 
Manning's Brook, 18, 150. 
Manning, Jerem., 231, 336, 367. 
Beni..325.-Jas. 287. 
.John, 135,230. 
March, Hugh, 8, 30, 28, 159, 364.- 

Geo. 159. 197. 
Marcus Hook, 248. 
Marsh, Elias, 132. 4. -Richard, 270. 

Joseph, 135, 221.-Thbs. 135. 

Capt. Chris., 266, 273. 

Ralph, 266. -John, 286. 

Sim'], 213.-Isaac, 249. 
Market, 25, 183, 6, 300. 
Martin, John, 10, 18, 28, 47, 139, 140, 

2. 159. 

Oliver, 204, 366- 

Merrick, 366. 

Henry, 207. -Rev. W: M., 233, 

4. 

Ephraim, 371. 
Masonic Hall, 294. 
Mather, Cotton, 171. 
Mawbey, Dennis, 135.-Wm. W-, 135. 

Henrv, 135. 
Maxwell, Gen.," 245, 372, 3. 
McCabe, Lieut., 273. 
McClelland, Robt., 107. I 
McConally, Pat.. 373. 
McDowell, Alex., 368. 
Mcliean, Rev. R., 130, l,2.-Gov., 131. 
Mcllvaine. Rev. R. C, 183. 
McLaughlin, Rev. J., 369. 
Meat packing, 103. 

Meeting-house, 30, 52, 53, 77, 79, 83, 
112,113,15,16,19,121, 
149, 156, 104. 180, 239. 
Meeker, S. A., 136.-John, 349. 

Capt. O., 247. 
Melyn, Jacob, 49. 
Melick, Leonard, 101. -Peter, 101. 



J. M., 34, l49.-Joel, Jr., 263. 
Mendhara, 212, 213, 214. 
Methodist E. Church. 67, 331, 293. 
Meluchen, 144, 172, 186, 211, 213,223, 
228, 256, 264, 5, 6, 7, 8, 
270, 4, 5. 

Presbyterian Church at, 
223-8, 275. 

Retormed Church at, 228, 
Middlesex Co., 13, 93, 113. 
Middletown, 26, 50. 
Military, the town, 9, 44, 53, 140, 291, 

300. 
Mill Brook, 105, 366. 
Mill, Mrs., 60. 
Mills, 17, 22. 44, 91, 93, 107, 215, 145, 

7, 9, 154, 393, 366. 
Mills, Rebecca, 168.-Rev. H., 232, 3, 7. 
Miller, Elizabeth, 168. 
Milton, 264, 6. 
Ministry, the town, 9, 24, 44, 46. 

(Chap. VII.), 300. 
Mitchel, Mrs., 00. 

Monmouth, 383.-County of, 93, 120. 
Moore, Samuel (I.), 16," 18, 26, 28, 29, 
36, 37, 39, 43, 47, 48, 49. 51, 53, 
77, 79, 91, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 
101, 7, 8, 9, 110, 137, 8, 9, 140, 
1, 2, 9, 159. 177, 191, 291. 
(II.), 116, 196. 

Daniel, 191, 205, 281, 4, 5, 7. 
Matthew, Sr., 28, 83. 105, 9, 116, 
138,141, 2,6,159,189,234. 
Matthew, Jr., 86, 138. 
John, 155, 208. 
Joseph 208. -Grace 263- 
Sam'l, shoemaker, 208. 
Eliphalet, 266. 
Edward. 330. -Jas. C, 279. 
j Wm.24l.-Wm., Jr.,287. 

iMoores, Robt., 330.-Daniel B., 230. 
Sam'l. 276. 7. -Jas., 284. 
Britain, 284. 
jMootry, John, 20. 
Moffet, Sam'l, 168. 
Molden Men, 150. 
Mores, John, 138, 175, 304, 311. 
Mrs., 168.-Sam'l, 140. 
Wm., 138.-Anna, 168. 
Morris, Wm., 212, 214.-Jolm, Jr., 161. 
Abraham, 231. -Gov. Lewis, 
195. 

T. H..4, 16,18,34, 150, 199. 
Morristown, 245, 367. 

Jail at, 220. 
Morgan's Rangers, 274. 5. 
Mundy, Edward, 132. 4, 5, 230. 

James, 241, 287. -Ezra, 283. 



INDEX. 



387 



Henry, 133, 4. 
Mutton Hollow, 35. 

N. 



James, the Printer, 126, 9, 

130, 1, 200, 6, 292. 

James (H.), 134, 5. -Geo. 214. 

aam'l, 200, 235, 287. 
S:app, Henry, 69. Sam'l, F., 201, 2, 5, 241. 

STewark, 8, 13, 26, 49, 50, 77, 167, 174,; Janet 202. -Sarah, 235. 

201, 369, 370. iParsons, Gen., 245. 

S'ew American Mai>;azine, 201. jPansonage laud, 144, 8, 158, 171, 2, 4, 

!^evv Brunswiclc, 19, 156, 240, 262, 9,i 5, 224, 5, 6, 233, 4, 



270, 2, 3, 4, 369. 
STewbury, Mass., 6, 7, 8. 
^ew Dover, 268. 
STew Haven. 201. 
S^ewton, Alansou, 134, 5. 
S^evill, S.itn'l, 193, 201.-Jobn, 193. 
S'icbols, ',T()V., 26, 27. 
Sfoakes, Waller, 276. 
^oe, Daniel, 206.-James, 267. 

Peter, 161, 267.-Johu, 173. 
^. Y. Gazette, 200. 

Post boy, 200, 1. 

O. 

)ak Tree, 264, 5. 283, 3. 
• Oblong," the, 213. 
)i.leubeimer, Bishop, 134. 
Officers, Town, 9, 137-142, 300, 1. 
3:4den, John, I, S, 10, 49, 50. 

Capt., 267. 
Dgilby, Rev. F., 133, 4. 
;)|J Cannon, 260. 
Jran.s^e, N. J., 225. 
"-'■••rri, iJ,'v. HA., 227. 
•f, .James, 206. 
iS ot Hiiihwajs, 140. 
of Po'or, 142, 204. 
3viu. Dr..81. 
jKtord, 129. 

P. 

Page, Rev. C. J., 370. 

Palmer, Capt., 100. 

?am, Peter, 168, 235.-Mrs., 168. 

Ciipt. John, 221. - Wm., 249. 
Pangboru, Stepheu, 168.-Lydia, 168. 

Joanna, 168. 
Papiack Creek, Ki, 17. 18, 22, 38, 40, 
69, 77, 92, 101, 5, 115, 
116, 147,152,364. 
Neck, 19, 148, 157,192. 
parcost, Benj., 196. 
ParJepus. Rene, 134, 5. 
Pardon, W 111., 25, 302. 
Parker, Elisha, 20, 34, 138, 141, 6, 7, 
8, 9, 157, 9, 171, 200. 
Benjamin, 20, 28. (Parkis 
47), 159. 
Rev. m-., 7. -John, 158, 9- 



300. 
Parsonage Presbyterian, 34, 149. 

Eoiscopal, 17, 125. 
Paterson, N. J.,370. 
Patcrson, Gov., 245. -Capt. Alex., 278. 
Paton, James, 191, 230, 5, 244, 5, 6, 273. 
David E., 135. -Mrs.. 233. 240. 
Pawley, Rev. Geo., 371. 
Pearoe, John, 60, 64. 
Peck, Rev. J., 77,80. 
Penn, Wm., 96. 
Penninian, Rev. J. A., 133. 
Perkins, Hannali, 169. -David, 207. 

L. M., 264. 
Perrytovvn, 203. (This is now called 

Uuiontovvn.) 
Perth Amboy, 13, 18,24, 25, 30,33, 38, 
46, 57, 59, 60, 61, 102, 
3, 4, 5, 114, 115, 121. 
2, 7, 8, 9, 130, 1, 2, 145, 
151,3,0,162,178,9,183, 
6, 8, 193, 8, 201, 2, 5, 
243, 250, 9, 261, 270, 
299, 302, 6, 311. 
Phillips' Mill, 293. 
Phillips, Rebecca, 168. -Mrs. Eliphalet, 

168. 
Piatt, Capt. Wra., 263. 
Pierce, Daniel, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 22, 28, 
46, 152, 9. 

Joshua. 8, 22, 28, 36, 77, 138, 
140, 152, 9, 191. 
Rev. Mr., 133. 
Pienson, Rev. John (I.\ 13. -(II.), 173- 
6. 234. 

Rev., 77.-Theopliilus, 167. 
Rev. Abraham, 173. - Ruth, 
174, 5. 
iPike, John (I.), 8, 9, 18,28, 39, 40, 41, 
•• 45, 46, 51, 52, 57, 68, 69, 77, 7b, 

79, 83, 86, 87, S8, 92, 94, 96, 103, 
4, 5, 7, 9, 114, 115, 116, 137. 8, 9, 
140. 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 151, 4, 5, 164, 7, 
9, 177, 193, 234, 291, 3, 4. 
Jolm (II.), 28, 53, 57, 92, 103, 

137, 8, 141, 2, 6, 151, 5, 234, 291. 
John (HI.). 234. 
Thomas, 29, 86, 88, 110, 114, 119, 

138, 140, 1, 5, 7, 151, 5, 7, 160, 7, 



388 



WOODBRIDGK AND VICINITV. 



9. 171, 3, 180, 3, 191, 2, 866. 

Mary, 154 -Sarah, 168. 

Zebulon, 161. 234, 267. 

Nalhaniel, 168, 207. 

MtTcy, 168.-Jaines, 206. 

Wm., 207. -Zebulon M.,285. 
Pike's Neck, 151. 
Pike House, 186. 

Piscataway, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18. 24, 31, 32 
39, 40, 46, 49, 50, 51 
52, 66, 95, 101, 5, 6, 118, 



Burial Ground al W. , 67, 69, 

71,209,210. [211. 

Ministers and Elders, 'hitg., 

Books of, 72, 210. 
Queen Anne, 120, 260. 
Quibbletovvn, 274, 5. 
Quit Rents, 9, 27, 28, 30, 45,89, 102, 3, 
4, 188, 193, 299. 



R. 



Rahawak Swamp, 180. 



114, 115, 116, 121, 2, 8,!Raiiway, 74, 75, 104, 5, 7, 116, 121, 2, 



125, 6. 7, 8, 182, 8, 144, 5, 
159, 162, 168, 227, 289, 
267, 270, 1, 4, 299, 867. 
Burial ground at, 871. 
Boundary troubles of, 39, 
40, 51, 102, 6, 145. 

Plainfield, 74, 211,214, 216, 218,219, 
221, 265, 274. 

Plumer, Hannah, 109. 

Plum ley, Rev. G. !S., 227. 

Poor, Ike, 54, 142, 153, 5, 8, 167, 204, 
287, 8, 9. 

Poor House Farm, 179. 

Pope, P. B.,135. 

Port Richmond, S. I. , 255. 

Population of W.,81. 

Potter, Deliverance, 83.-Jas., 268. 

Ichabod, 192, 280. -Isaac, 230. 
Sally, 288. -Jane, 238. 
Miij. Reuben, 285, 277, 8. 

Pounds, the, 52, 87, 95, 105, 142, 4, 5, 
150, 8. 

Pound, Elijah, 220. -Rev. Mr., 134. 

Powell, Rich, 86, 114, 116. 

Piei,byterian Church, 17, 18, 76, 132, 
164-176: 223-288: 285, 
298, 803. 

Preston, Rev. John. 132, 202, 307. 

Princeton, N. J., 259. 277. 

Prmceton College, 176, 231. 

Price, Bcnj., 167. 



188, 144, 151, 5, 180, 1, 211, 
212, 218, 214, 216. 218, 281, 
268,4; origin of, 271, 276, 8. 
Rahway River (sometimes written 
Rahawak, etc.), 9, 14, 
28, 98, 116, 145, 7. 
180, 271, 298. 
Rahway Neck, 266, 217. 
Randolph, (see Filz Randolph.) 

Jotham, 135 -John, 8(57. 
Wni.F.,371.-Rev. Dr., 371. 
Rangers, 111 -MurgMu's, 274, 5. 
Raritan, River, 9. 28, 24, 82, 113, 145, 
278 298, i). 
Landing, 269. 
Township of, 280. 
Rate Gatherers, 142. 

Makers, 141. 
Read, Chas., 306.-Bnwes, 306. 
Reed Brook, 156, 181. 
Reed, Chas. B., 184, 5.-Morris, 230. 
Reid, John, 60, 61. 
Rennols, (Reynolds ?) Sarah, 168. 
Revolution, the 199. 202, 3, 218-221 ■ 

228, 289-289. 
Richardson, Rev. Dr., 237. 
Rickets, Col. 199. 
Rickhow, Joshua, 161. 
Riddell, Rtv. A., 84, 85, 87. 

Sir John, 84. 
Rifle, O , 13.5. 



Prison, or Town Jail, 34, 53, 96, 97,'Right, (Wright ?) Hannah, 168. 



100, 120, 148, 9, 156, 162 
Prison ships, 298. 
Proprietary Rule, 143. 



Robeson, John, 20, 188 
Koberts, Dauid, 211. -John, 211. 
Roads, see '" Highways." 
|Hobinson,Wm.,68.-John,20, 168,180. 
Q Robins, Dan'l., 28, 91, 114, 188, 140, 1, 

Quakers, the, 59-75, 88, 16G, 209-222 2, 159. 

Woodbridge, Mretinir-house Rolf (or Rolph.) .Tohn. G, 7, 141, 360. 

of, 64, 66-69, 81,214.219, 221 S;.muel, 168.-Jos., 188, 147, 164. 

Pr.'parative meetings of, 65, Mary, 168. 

216, 217. Rolph, Moses 69, 155, 7, 8, 168, 182, 

Monthly meetings of, 65, 70. 186, 8, 9, 191, 2. 



Quarteily mtg., at W., 71, 
209, 210, 211. [217. 

Quarterly mtg., at Rahway, 



Ueurv, 124, 180.-BeDj,, 157. 
Roe, Rev. Azel, 100, 176, 198, 9, 223- 
232. 



INDEX. 



389 



Mrs. Mary, 232 -Mis. H., 232. 
Rogers, Robt., 28, 151,9.-Wni.,157. 
Ross, Robert, Sr., 225. 

Eobert. Jr., 192, 267. 

Jolin, 225, 267, 287. 

Jerome, 270. -James, 169. 
Rowland's Corner, 155. 
Rudyard, Tlios , 96. 98, 102. 
Ruuyou, Rev. R , 368, 371. 

Meflbrd, 371. 
Ryerson, Capt., 254. 

S. 
Sabbath School, Presb , 233, 4. 
Salsburv. Rev. B., 78,79. 
Saltar, il., 148. 
Samptown, 368. 
Savers, Capt. M.. 230. 
Schools, &e., 25, 82 144, 8, 155, 8, 172, 
177-184 , 186, 7, 194, 221, 284, 
287. 8, 300, 310. 
Schoolcv. Robt.. 213. 
Scotch Plains, 275, 367. 
Soott's Lisibt Horse, 275. 
Schraalenlmrij, 227. 
Scudder, Jolin, 168. 
Sears, Ser<;t. Benj., 221. -Isaac, 267. 
Seely. Col., 277. 
Scwell, Wm., 72. 
Sliaw, Daniel, 130. 
Slieep, common, 112. 
Sheep-masters, 154. 
Sheldon's Dragoons, 242, 4. 7,8, 9, 264. 
Shepard, Rev. S., 86, 87, 88, 121, 164, 

165, 6, 7, 180. 

Mrs. Alice. 164, 5, 6. 

Joanna, 107. 
Short Hills, 245, 264, 8. 
Shot well, Abram., 69, 70, 213, 214. 219. 

Joseph, 74, 75. 203, 0, 9, 212, 

214, 216, 219. 287, 311. 

Daniel, 71, 206.-A. V..4,263. 

John, 75, 209, 241, 287. 

Jacob, 212.-Sarali, 214. 

Benjamin, 213, 217, 219, 288. 

Siimuel, 217. 
Shippv, Susannali, 168. 
Shrew'sbury, 26, 50, 62, S3, 68, 71, 75, 
209. 210, 219. 
Nolice of, 72- 
Sbrievally, tlic, 99. 100. 
Si'.le-wiilk, fust, 110. 
Six Roads Tavern, 266, 7. 
Sliinncr, Rev. Wm.. 127, 8, 9. 

Gertrude, 129.-Anu, 168. 
Coriland, 129, 203, 306, 9. 
Richard, 138, 155, 168. 267. 
John, 157, 168. -Francis, 168- 



Slater, E., 102. 

Slavery, 73, 185, 218. 

Slme-tail Brools, 35. 

SlooV, Sally, 248. 

Smallcy, Henry, 371. -John, 367. 

Rev. Henry, 371. 
Smallwood, Gen., 248. 
Smith, Jobn, (millwriclit.) 8, 10, 20, 

28,37, 40,41. 42,43,46,48,77, 

137, 8, 9, 141. 9, 159. 

John, (Scotchman,) 20, 28, 47, 

149, 159. 

John, (III.). 287. 

Sam'l, 28, 104, 9, 112, 119, 138, 

140, 1, 5, 6, 9, 159, 160, 173, 185, 

196. 

Sbobal, 71, 185, 8, 192, 6, 7, 

207, 210. 

Richard, 124.-Bcnj., 235. 

Wm., 173, 207,219,241, 277,8, 

286. 

James, 132, 4, 175, 190, 207, 

230, 5. 

Frederick, 135. 

Ichabod, 158, 172, 235. 

Samuel, the historian, 201. 

Samuel, (UL), 371. 

Rev. C. C.,371. 
Smith Creek, 19. 20, 22, 107. 
Smith Farm, 270. 
SncU, Capt., 50. 
Somerset Co., 93. 
Sonmans, Peter, CO, 153, 4, 188-191. 

Poter, Jr., 193. 
Sons of Liberty, 239. 
Soper, Ricbarti, 154. 
South Amboy, 188. 
S<iuth Rivtr. 128. 
Sound, the Staten Ishind, 18, 19, 24, 

30, 37. 276, 9, 294, 364, 6. 
Spanktown, 270, 2, 5. 
" Spa Spring" Brook, 18, 151. 
Spencer's Rtgiment, 268. 
Springfield, 240, 250. 6. 
Spunk Jlill, 41, 263, 272. 
Stanbery, John, 233. 
Staleu Island, 24. 103, 156, 198, 200, 
242, 251, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 
264,276, 7,278,9. 283. 
Stelle, Pontius. 867.-Benj., 367, 8. 

Lsaac, 368-Bcrgcn, 371. 

Rev. L. F., 371 -James, 371. 

Deacon D., Augustus T. and 

Furman R., 371. 

Gabriel, 188, 190, 3, 5. 

Thompson, 267. 
Stevens, Gen., 274. 
Steward, John, 366. 



39° 



WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 



Stewart, David and Randolph, 268 

Stirlinff, Gen., 275, 247. 

SlillwJil, Maiv, 168. 

Stites, Capt. B., 215. 

Stockade, 34, 53, 149. 

Stone. Wm., 140, 164, 175, 203, 7. 

Rebecca, 168. 
Story, Capt, 261, 4. 
Straugman, B , 132, 4, 5. 
Strawberry Hill, 18, 40, 41, 48, 104, 
111, 148,151,7, 180, 
1, 2, 3, 6, 210, 284, 
293. 
St. Clair, Gen., 263. 
St. James' Church, 133. 
St. John's Church, 129. 
St. Paul's Church, 133. 
St. Peter's Church, 128, 9, 244, 259. 
Su!>ar House Prison. 228, 262, 293. 
Sutton, VV., 62, 66, 67, 70. 

Thomas. 66.-Dauiel, 67. 

Rev. J., 371.-Elizabeth,372. 
Swan, Tho3., 115. 



Tas.'gett, John, 115. 
Tarbot, Rev. J., 127. 
Tappen (or Toppan). Isaac, 28, 47, 
105, 138, 140, 1, 2, 159, 207. 
David, 230. 

Abraham (I.), 9, 28, 47, 140, 
159, 161, 8, 175. 
(XL), 236. 
Bonj., 267, 270. 
Taverns, 99, 101. 
Taxes, 89, 92, 94, 96, 110, 112, 116, 

146, 289. 
Taylor, Wm., 133,4, 5. 

John, 20, 2e, 52, 150, 160. 
Tor, fir.st cup of, 240- 
Terrill, Dan'l. 132, 3, 4, 5. 
Wm. p., 132,4,5. 
Thanksgiving D ly, 56. 
Thaxtcr, John, 206. 
Thompson, Capt. Wm., 283. 
Tlionison, James, 188.-Elias, 230. 
Thorn, VVm., 204, 0, 220. -Jos., 207. 

John, 218. 
Thornell, Israel (I.), 28, 93, 105, 110, 
138, 140. 1, 2. 151, 186. 
(II.), 268, 287. 
Lewis, 237, 8.-Isaac, 246. 
Benj., 241. 208,286, 7.311. 
Thorp, Thos.. 107, 137, 8, 207. 

JoseDh. 138. 168.-Wm., 168. 

Daniel, 138, 168. -Elizabeth, 

168. 

Benj., 168, 268. -Mrs., 168. 



I Ezekiel, Anna, and Mary, 168. 

Tingley, Sam'l, 132, 307. 

Titus, Penelope, 168. 

Town Books, 3, 16, 36, 77, 146, 155, 6, 

8, 205, 251, 287. 
Town Clerks, 138, 191, 2. 
Town Committee, 147, 155. 
Town house, 87, 88, 149, 165. 
Town Meetings, 36-58, 89-120, 143- 

103, 185-205. 
Treat, Rev. S..77. 
Trenton, 250, 269, 270. 
Trewman (Trueman), John, 29, 103, 

159. 
Trinity Church, 18. (See Episcopal 

Church ) 
Trout Brook, 145, 172, 9. 
Trumbull, Gov., 242. 
Tucker, Sam'l, 243. 
Tufts, J. M., 135. 
Tuttie, Stephen, 138, 157, 167. 
Turnpike, Amboy, 243, 256. 
Wood bridge, 243. 

U. 

Uniontown (formerly Perrylowu), 149, 
179. 



Vail, John, 69, 70, 71,189,190,209, 

211,214, 219. 

Stephen, 212.-Robt., 24b. 

Robt. C. , 280. 
Valott, Claude, 33. 
Vanderhoven , C , 266. 
Van Courtlandt, Mr.s. , 340. 
Van Tvviller, Gov. , 99. 
Vaughan, Rev. E., 122, 3, 4,5, 6,127, 

9, 169. 170, 181. 
Venet, Jaqucs, 147,206. 
Ver Lett, Nicholas, 25, 302. 
Vestrymen, list of, 134.-6. 
Vickers, Capt., 96. 
" Voclin's Hill," 38. 
Voorhecs, Daniel, 261. 
Voquillen. Robt.. 22, 25, 28, 38,39, 
45.46,51,96,97,108,159, 
302. 

W. 
Wade, Rev. N., 122, 3, 157, 167-171. 

Col., 248. -Mary, 168. 
Walker, Francis, 116, 117, 138. 
Desire. 168. -James, 200. 
Wm.. 208.-Ruuyon, 371. 
Wall, Dr. J. G.,236. 
Wardens, list of, 134. 
Warlock, John, 13a 



INDEX. 



391 



"Washington, Gen., 242, 5, 250, 2, 274, 
5. 

Rock, 275. 
Waterine-place, 157, 364. 
Watson, 'Luke, 7, 8. 
Watkias, John, 20, 28, 159. 
Way Wardens, 47. 
Webster, Nathan, 28. 159. 

John, 212, 214, 219. 

Wm., 86.-Hugh, 215, 219. 

Col. John, 221. 

John, (in ), 222. 
Westfielcl, N. J., 275. 
West River. Md., 215. 
Welherel, Tho3..123. 
Wevman, VVm., 201. 
Whitaker, John, 28. (Spelt Witcher), 
159. -Rev. N.,176, 207, 228 
White, Jol)n, 364. 
Whitfield, Rev. G., 175. 
Wiatt, Thos., 40. 
Wilcox, Capt., 270. 
AVilkinson, E., 168.-Marv, 168. 
Willis, Robt., 218, 214, 21G, 217, 218, 
219. 

Sam'l, 268.-Jolin, 277. 
Willocks, Geo., 127. 



Wiswell, Rev., 171. 
Witches, 57. 
Winds, Gen., 278. 
Wood, Jonas, 167. 
Woodbridge, Rev. John, 6, 7. 

Rev. Timothy, 174. 
Woodbridge Neck, 264. 270. 8. 

Creek, 283. 865, (see Pa- 

piack Creek.) 
Woodruff, Jonathan, 266. 
Worth, Ellinor, 277.-Joiin, 138. 

Richard, 28, 42, 138, 9, 151, 9. 
Woodstock, Conn., 129. 
Wolves, 41, 44, 47, 112, 118, 119, 154. 
Wolf Swamp, 145. 
Wnght, Robt., 103. 124, 138. 

Richard, 207, 230. 
Wyckoff, C, 233. 



Yale College, 173. 
Yarmouth, 8. 
Young, Chas., 135. 



Zellar, John, 135. 



Z. 



&"] 



"WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY." 



A New Book. — We have received tbe first numbers of Rev. Joseph 
W. Daily's History of Woodbridge, a work which will interest all re&idents 
of Middlesex county, and become also a valuable book of reference. It is 
issued in weekly numbers at 25 cents eacli, and Mr. Jeremiah Dally, of 
Woodbridge, is the ac;ent to whom orders should be addressed. We shall 
take occasion to refer to the work more fully at a future Ximc— Middlesex 
Demoerat. 

The work alluded to in the above paragraph is being published at this 
office. It will be interesting to all residents in Central New Jersey. It is a 
work highly deserving of generous patronage.— New Brunswick [N. J.] 
Daily Tunes. 

History of Woodbkidge AiSD Vicinity. — We have received the four 
first numbers of this work with the above title. It includes a history of 
Piscalaway, Metuchen, and otner places from the eailiest times, and Historical 
Sketches o"f different Ecclesiastical bodies, as well as important official doc- 
uments relating to the township of Woodbridge. etc. We have not had 
tmie to examine the minor points, but so far as we have looked over the lour 
numbers, we find them to contain much interesting and i-nstructive matter. 
— Perth Amboy [N. J.] Guardian. 

Rev. J. W. Dally, formerly of Woodbridge, now stationed at Blooms- 
bury, Hunterdon county, has been engaged in preparing for the press an 
early historv of Woodbridge and vicinity. The advance sheets show that it 
cannot failto be of interest to every resident in this section ot the State. It 
is now in press at the Times office, and will make a volume of about 400 
pages. Mr. Dally is a gifted and well educated gentleman, and has had 
good opportunities for hunting up the old history of this section. This 
volume will bring up the history to about the time of the revolution, the 
author finding that to give the later history would make too much lor one 
volume, and furnish material enough for an additional one, which he propo- 
ses to proceed with.— Rahway [N. J.] National Democrat. 

It is well printed in plain Roman type, and will be an interesting vol- 
ume for our readers to possess; for Rahway was for a long time closely 
identified with Woodbridge township politically and geographically. --Rah- 
way [N. J.] Advocate and Times. 

Price, bound in a substantial and tasteful style, - $3-25- 
Address all orders immediately to 

JEREMIAH DALLY, 

Woodbridge, N. J. 



Notice.— If the sale of " Woodbridge and Vicinitv" is sufficiently rc- 
muncrativt', the aulhor in;iy soon vi-niure upon the publicalion of a srcond 
volume, bringiu'.^ tlie history of the township down lo the present time, in- 
cluding the focal events connected with the war of 1812, the recent war in 
the South, &c. ; together with a particular dcscripliou of the business enlcr- 
prises of the place. 



